#TFGInterview: The Journey is the reward – In conversation with Vitor Belfort

UFC 198 this weekend, is set to mark UFC's debut in the Curitiba market of Brazil and the world's biggest fight promotion is pulling out all the stops, going in with one of the most stacked cards ever.

The card is being headlined by a UFC Heavyweight title fight between champion Fabricio Werdum and challenger Stipe Miocic, while many big names both Brazilian and others dot the card. Among the array of names competing on the card, Vitor Belfort would be competing against Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza.

During the fight week, Vitor Belfort took time out to speak with the Fan Garage on their preparations heading into his fights for this weekend.

The Fan Garage: You have been at the forefront of MMA for 20 years and still going strong. What are the biggest reasons you attribute your longevity in this sport to and what, if any, training changes have you made in the last few years which has enabled you in this latest career resurgence of yours?

Vitor Belfort: I am very thankful to God that he has given me the ability, the wisdom to carry on the fire, the flame, the passion because I believe the destination is not the reward, and the reward is the journey.

Of course, I make the adjustments daily, weekly, monthly and every time I see that I can get better or recognize a mistake, I do so. I am humble enough to recognize that I am in a process of learning. I am a learner, not just in the Octagon, but also in my business outside the Octagon as well.

TFG: You are among the topmost contenders in the UFC’s middleweight division and are maybe just one win away from a shot at the title. How do you see the Weidman – Rockhold rematch going and do you have any preference between the two if you were to get a title shot following the fight this weekend?

VB: I am completely focused on Jacare right now, and not even thinking about anything or anyone else. This is a title fight for me, as I am fighting one of the very best guys in the division and I am very focused on getting that victory.

Your opponent Ronaldo Souza is an acclaimed Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Does that fact dissuade you from engaging him on the ground, if the fight does go to the ground?

VB: No doubt about it that is his strength. I do my best in every aspect of MMA, but a fight is a fight you know. You got to go with the rhythm, be ready to face whatever is in front of you. Being happy and doing my best is what I will be focusing on.

Who in your opinion should go into the UFC hall of fame this year and why?

VB: It's hard to determine who goes in or doesn't go into the Hall of Fame. I have been doing this for 20 years and I haven't been inducted into any Hall of fame, so I think a lot of it is political.

I am glad that it is not my job to decide on that and what I think or don't think; I would like to keep it to myself.

Tune into UFC 198: Werdum vs. Miocic @ 7.30am on Sunday, 15th May, 2016

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