Alan Belcher has quietly put together a very solid resume in the UFC.

The 28-year-old has pushed his career record to 17-6 overall behind three consecutive victories, and holding an overall mark in the UFC of 8-4.

However, that hasn’t been good enough for “The Talent,” who returns to action this weekend against submission specialist Rousimar Palhares at UFC on FOX: Diaz vs. Miller. Belcher-Palhares will be part of the FOX-televised main card from East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Belcher, who trains out of Roufusport with famed trainer Duke Roufus, has re-dedicated himself to a life of fighting since his win over Jason MacDonald last year.

“I feel great, stronger than ever and more athletic,” said Belcher, in a recent interview with Five Ounces of Pain. “I’ve come a long way over the past three years and I keep getting stronger and stronger. I’ve been eating really well and have changed my lifestyle to become healthier than (at) any other point in my life. I’ve been training with Lyle Henley in Mobile for awhile and he’s got me feeling really strong.”

Belcher feels the changes have helped better prepare him to make a run in the UFC, starting with Palhares. While most fighters tend to just worry first and foremost about securing the win, Belcher is thinking about that big, fat bonus check, as well.

“If I had to choose one I would choose whatever one paid me the most,” joked Belcher. “I guess if I really have to pick one I would go with the ‘Submission of the Night’ because it would be so unbelievable. I think the ‘Knockout of the Night’ would probably be the most realistic.”

By: Dana Becker