• UFC 126

Karate master helps Belfort train for Anderson Silva

ESPN staff
January 13, 2011
Vitor Belfort destroyed Rich Franklin in three minutes © Getty Images
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Vitor Belfort could be about to bring a touch of the Lyoto Machidas to his UFC middleweight title shot against Anderson Silva, after it was revealed that he is working with Jayme Sandall.

Sandall is a South American karate champion, and he has been flown in to aid with Belfort's preparations. Belfort is riding a five-fight win streak, but he is aiming to overcome a man who is undefeated in the UFC and holds the organisation's record winning streak.

Belfort's reputation in MMA is well established, dating back to his debut 14 years ago. As a former UFC light-heavyweight champion, The Phenom is well remembered for his battles with Randy Couture, but he clearly feels he needs an extra edge to beat Silva.

Sandall worked with Belfort before his UFC return against Rich Franklin, which ended with an explosive knockout, and now the same team will draw up a plan to bring about Silva's downfall.

"We're going to do a strategic and technical work, develop a game plan to fight against Anderson. Master Vinício Antony developed a series of karate moves to create a specific strategy for this match," Sandall told Portal Vale Tudo.

"Karate, once again, will come in to sharpen Vitor. He's already up there with conditioning, standing and ground skills. Well trained. Now we're going to add timing and distance as well as for attack and defense."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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