Report: Vitor Belfort Fighting Cung Le at UFC 139
By FCF Staff
After weeks of campaigning to compete on the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s upcoming November 19th card in his hometown of San Jose, Strikeforce middleweight Cung Le may be getting his wish. According to posts on the official Twitter account and website of Vitor Belflort, the former light-heavweight champ will face Le at the UFC 139 event.
The UFC has not announced the middleweight tilt.
In August, Le talked openly of his desire to compete for the UFC with FCF, despite being contracted to fellow Zuffa property Strikeforce.
“The one arena I haven’t fought for is the UFC,” Le said. “They are the biggest promotion; they are recognized worldwide, so that’s a draw in itself. Being a martial artist and not being able to fight for the UFC would be something I would regret….Of course, fighting for the UFC when they come to San Jose would also be very special.”
If the report is accurate, it will mark the latest Strikeforce star to move from the promotion to the UFC, as Le will be joining former welterweight champ Nick Diaz and former heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem. The Sanshou fighter’s departure will only further speculation as to whether Zuffa intends to keep promoting events in 2012.
Le discussed the interest Zuffa had shown in him possibly fighting for the UFC last month, before adding “I’m very grateful to Strikeforce. Scott Coker built me, I came through Strikeforce and it’s been an honor to fight for them.”
Le (7-1), who hasn’t fought since last June when he KO’d Scott Smith, could not be immediately reached for comment.
Belfort (20-9) last competed in August, at UFC 133, and knocked out Yoshihiro Akiyama.