This summer, former UFC Champion Vitor Belfort will add ‘UFC Hall of Famer’ to his resume.
The Brazilian ‘Phenom’ is considered one of MMA’s most dangerous fighters with 18 knockouts on his record, 15 of those in the first round.
Vitor Belfort simply fought everybody from the middleweight division to the heavyweight division such as Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell and many more legends. Belfort won the UFC Light Heavyweight title from Randy Couture in 2004.
After 26 fights in the Octagon and seven years removed from his final appearance, the UFC would bestow Belfort with the highest honor they can give a fighter.
Vitor Belfort wipes tears from his eyes with UFC Hall of Fame honor
The last couple of months have seen several fighters announced for the UFC Hall of Fame like Robbie Lawler and WMMA GOAT Amanda Nunes.
On Saturday night at UFC 315 from Montreal, Canada, the premier promotion rolled the tape for Belfort’s legendary induction at International Fight Week in June.
In the building, the 48-year-old Belfort teared up at a montage of his greatest highlights playing on the big screen and fellow legends speaking to his greatness and what he brought into the Octagon: sheer violence.
“That hall of fame [induction] makes the toughest dudes in the world cry,” Daniel Cormier said as Belfort shed a tear from his eye.
Vitor Belfort fought 10 UFC Champions in his legendary career
The newly-minted UFC hall of famer has fought the who’s-who of the UFC and then some.
Before he boxed the likes of 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, Belfort fought at least 15 world champions during his MMA career, 10 of those former/current UFC Champions.
Belfort fought the following UFC champions: Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Randy Couture (three times), Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Rich Franklin, Chris Weidman, Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold and Lyoto Machida.
Belfort also tested himself against champions from other organizations/sports: Dan Henderson (three times), Alistair Overeem (twice), Wanderlei Silva, Gegard Mousasi and Nate Marquardt.
Belfort left the UFC in 2018 with a record of 15-10 (1 NC). He’s 26-14 (1 NC) as a pro.