Vitor Belfort has not, in fact, left the building
Vitor Belfort does things his way. He recently posted a long, bilingual message on Instagram that was interpreted as a retirement statement….
Vitor Belfort does things his way. He recently posted a long, bilingual message on Instagram that was interpreted as a retirement statement.
It closed with the line I decided that I will end this chapter of my life looking at the mirror and recognizing myself.” Or maybe he wrote “We built this city on sausage rolls.”
UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie offered kind words.
“Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort just announced retirement,” he wrote. “You are legend my friend. Future Hall Of Famer!”
As always, John Morgan for MMAjunkie was there to lend clarity.
I’m not retired, said Belfort emphatically to Morgan. I want to fight again soon. I am driven to get back on my feet and honor the nickname I so proudly carry. ‘The Phenom’ is back.
I am not pleased with my two last performances and changes are being made. I don’t want to end my career the way it is right now. I want to look at the mirror and recognize myself as the fighter I always have been.
I have 20 years in this sport, and I intend to honor that legacy.
Tuesday marked the 20th anniversary of Vitor Belfort’s pro debut. He has fought in multiple divisions, won the UFC light heavyweight championship, holds career wins over Wanderlei Silva, Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, Rich Franklin, Anthony Johnson, Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold, and Dan Henderson. Belfort has the PED asterisk over his name, but few from his era are untainted, and he will absolutely be a UFC Hall of Famer, after he chooses to retire, which is not today.