Former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort, is set to make his comeback in ONE Championship, with Alain Ngalani slated to be his first opponent once the promotion is back up and running again.

Speaking to ONE Championship, Ngalani said that he can’t wait to fight a ‘great champion’ like Belfort.

“This is a fight that has been in the making for a while now — I’ve been focused so much on it that I’ve just forgotten about everything else. I can’t wait until it finally happens.

“Vitor has been a great athlete and a great champion in his career. He is a fantastic fighter, and that has motivated me to come back to the stage. Fighting such a person brings out the fire in me, and I like that!”

Belfort’s stellar career has spanned over twenty years and Ngalani has nothing but respect for his opponent.

“I have a lot of respect for Vitor. He has done tremendous things during his career. All fighters know we have moments in our career where things don’t go our way. We have losses or pass a negative tunnel, and for me, I have more respect for him seeing him still in the game and not quitting. He is still strong and still a role model to people.”

Ngalani and Belfort have been scheduled to fight each other for several months but because of the global travel restrictions in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the fight is currently on hold. ‘The Panther’ however, assures fans that his fight with ‘The Phenom’ will be worth the wait.

“It will be an awesome fight, and I think that the fans will love to watch it,” Ngalani said, “It makes sense at this point in ONE Championship, and I think I can pull off a very good fight.”

The clash against Belfort will be the biggest test of Ngalani’s career, but he promises that he will put on a show for the fans.

“I know that when I am focused I can do great things. I can put on a show, a crazy performance, and a fantastic fight for the fans. And you know what? I am focused right now. This Vitor fight has fired me up. I’m very excited about it.”

How do you think Alain Ngalani will fare against Vitor Belfort, when they finally meet inside the ONE Circle?

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