Connect with us

MMA

Vitor Belfort mentioned in the UFC Hall of Fame class with 2025

Published

10 months ago

on

(Photo Josh Hedges/Zufffa LLC/ZUFFA LLC via Getty Images)

Las Vegas – UFC announced today that the former heavyweight champion UFC and UFC® 12 The winner of the Vitor Belfort heavyweight tournament will be introduced to the UFC Hall class with 2025

Fame as a pioneer. The Hall of Fame 2025 induction ceremony will take place under 13th Annual International Fight Week UFCUMBRELLAOn Thursday, June 26, at T-Mobile Arena I will be broadcast live, only on UFC Fight Pass®.

“Vitor Belfort was 19 years ancient when he was signed by UFC and quickly influenced, becoming the youngest athlete who won the UFC fight and UFC tournament,” said the president and general director of UFC Dana White. “Vitor was a pioneer of this sport and is definitely a UFC legend. It will be honored to introduce him to the UFC Sław Galeria this summer.”

Belfort will enter the Hall of Fame UFC as 20th Member of Pioneer Era Wing. In the pioneering era, they include athletes who became professionals before November 17, 2000 (when united principles of mixed martial arts were adopted). Other requirements include a minimum age of 35 or a retired person for a year or longer.

Veteran 41 Fight during his 22-year MMA career, Belfort registered the record of 26-14.1 NC (20-14.1 NC-WULC / Pride / Strikeforce), providing victories over UFC Hall of Famers Wanderlei SilvaIN Randy CoutureIN Prosperous FranklinIN Michael BispingAND And Henderson (Wing fight); Former UFC medium weight master Luke Rockholdformer Strikeforce heavyweight master Bobby SouthworthFormer underfund master Strikeforce Nate Marquardtand former massive armor champion Kazuo Takahashi.

At the age of 19, Belfort debuted in a professional MMA on October 11, 1996, rising in Superbrawl 2 in Hawaii. Despite the discrepancy of seven -inch height and 100 pounds. Belfort’s weight disadvantage defeated his opponent, Jon Hess, through a knockout in 12 seconds of the first round to start his career. He immediately signed a contract with UFC after his victory.

Belfort debuted in the UFC as a massive weight, entering the tournament UFC® 12: The day of the judgmentwhich took place on February 7, 1997 in Dothan, Alabama. He defeated his opponents, Tar Tellman and Scott Ferzzo, both through TKO in the first round to win the tournament in massive weight.

Belfort returned to the action three months later, beating the favorite fans of Tank Abbott for TKO in 52 seconds during UFC® 13: Final forcewhich took place on May 30, 1997 in August, Georgia. The victory helped to establish Belfort as a rising star and brought him the fight against Couture on UFC 15.

UFC® 15: collision course It took care of October 17, 1997 in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Belfort and Couture faced the event of cooperation with the winner, aiming at the then heavyweight champion UFC and Future UFC Hall of Famer Maurice Smith in UFC Japan.

Couture would beat Belfort for eight minutes to the first round to give him his first loss as a professional. Belfort won another two fights with Joe Charles and Wanderlei Silva in UFC Japan (December 21, 1997) and UFC Brazil (October 16, 1998), bringing his record to 6-1. His fight with Couture prepared a scene for two exhilarating rematch down, because both athletes will continue to improve popularity.

Over the next three years, Belfort won four of the next five fights with pride, with the only loss in the future Hall of Famer UFC Kazushi Sakuraba.

Belfort returned to UFC as a lightweight heavyweight on June 22, 2002 UFC® 37.5: As real as possible. He will return to his victorious form a year later, defeating Marvin Eastman by TKO in the first round UFC® 43: MeltdownJune 6, 2003 in Las Vegas.

The victory brought him his first title shot and a rematch against Couture in the main UFC 46 event. UFC® 46: supernatural It took place on January 31, 2004 in Las Vegas. The expected fight was shortened due to the detention of a doctor 49 seconds to the first round, and Belfort was crowned the novel UFC heavyweight champion.

Belfort would give couture an immediate rematch UFC® 49: Unfinished business On August 21, 2004 in Las Vegas, where he would lose his title because of the detention of a doctor in the third round. He would lose his next fight with the future UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz in the main event UFC® 51: Great Saturday February 5, 2005, ending the second time with UFC.

In the next four years he won six of the next nine fights in numerous fight promotions, including Strikeforce and Pride, and then returned to the UFC to face Franklin in the main event UFC® 103: Franklin vs. Baking. Belfort won his fight against the unforgettable KO Franklin, restoring as a star in the octopus.

Over the next nine years, Belfort would compete with the best pretenders in medium weight UFC and lightweight heavyweight divisions. He fought for both titles, losing to UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva and Jon Jones. During this episode, he also provided unforgettable victories over Bisping, Rockhold, Henderson and Anthony Johnson. His last victory took place in 2017, when he defeated Nate Marquardt through a unanimous decision at UFC® 212: Aldo vs. Hollowayin his hometown of Rio de Janeiro. He retired after the next fight, lost by KO with the former heavyweight champion UFC Attractive photos while UFC® 224: Nunes vs. Pennington May 12, 2018 in Rio.

Belfort enters the Hall of Fame UFC with an impressive CV, which includes:

UFC:

  • Most of the finals of the first round in the history of UFC-13
  • Knockout in 90 seconds or less – 10
  • 18 finals in the first round in 26 career wins

In addition to the octagon, Belfort is an excellent author who has his autobiography Vitor Belfort: Claw, Faith and Success Lessons Published by Thomas Nelson Brazil in 2012. In 2013 he won Knockout of the year Behind his Ko with Luke Rockhold in the main event UFC® On FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold while Only fighters World MMA awards. Belfort also spent time in the boxing ring, winning both his professional matches in 2006 and 2023.

Coming from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, he began training in boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of 12. At the age of 18, he was a black belt at Carlson Gracie and won the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu National Championships in absolute and massive divisions. In 2001 he returned to the competition in ADCC, winning a bronze medal in the absolute division. He currently lives in Florida with his wife and children.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MMA

UFC Vegas 114 Odds: Kevin Vallejos vs Josh Emmett Las Vegas Fight Night HeadlinesUFC Vegas 114 Odds: Kevin Vallejos vs Josh Emmett Las Vegas Fight Night Headlines

Published

1 day ago

on

March 5, 2026

By


(Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

In a classic veteran vs. prospect matchup, 11th-seeded Josh Emmett will headline UFC Vegas 114 against 13th-seeded Kevin Vallejos.

The exhilarating featherweight clash pitting the power of Emmett against the rising power of Vallejos will take place on March 14, 2026 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

BetOnline.ag he opened odds for the 14 fights on the card, which you’ll find below.

If you are able to utilize this information, please consider citing the source.

UFC Vegas odds can be seen here: https://www.betonline.ag/sportsbook/martial-arts/mma/ufc-vegas-114

UFC Las Vegas 114

Josh Emmett +365

Kevin Vallejos -465

Amanda Lemos +205

Gillian Robertson -240

Ion Cutelaba +170

Oumar Sy-200

Harry Hardwick +150

Marwan Rahiki -175

Chris Curtis +205

Myktybek Orołbai -240

Steven Asplund +170

Vitor Petrino -200

Bruno Silva +175

Charles Johnson -205

Eryk Anders +115

Brad Tavares -135

Montserrat Rendon +350

Bia Mosque -450

SuYoung You +210

Elijah Smith -250

Sam Hughes +140

Piera Rodriguez -160

Luan Lacerda +200

Hecher Sosa -235

Bolaji Oki +295

Manoel Sousa -370

Others Fili +180

Jose Delgado -210

Continue Reading

MMA

LFA 231: Elijah Johns vs. Taner Trembley headlines featherweight match in MinnesotaLFA 231: Elijah Johns vs. Taner Trembley in first featherweight match in Minnesota

Published

2 days ago

on

March 5, 2026

By


LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) returns to Minnesota for another key night of mixed martial arts action.

LFA president Ed Soares confirmed that the promotion will return to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” Friday, April 17with stacked fight cards scheduled to take place at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

upcoming event, LFA 231: Trembley vs. Johnspresented by Monster Energy, the main attraction of which will be a fierce featherweight fight between former LFA champion Elijah Johns (10-3) and undefeated prospect from Minnesota Taner Trembley (6-0).

Doors to the event will open at 16:30 local timewith a preliminary card starting at 16:45followed by the main card at 20:00 Fans in the United States can watch the action live on VICE TV at 21:00 ET / 18:00 PT.

Tickets for the event are currently available on Ticketmaster.

“Minnesota has become one of our strongest markets and that’s the type of fighting the fans here appreciate,” Soares said. “You have Elijah Johns, a former champion who knows what it takes to win at the highest level in LFA, against Taner Trembley, an undefeated local fighter looking to make a statement in front of his home crowd.”

Former champion Elijah Johns wants to regain his momentum

Former LFA featherweight champion Elijah Johns (10-3) returns to the LFA cage with valuable championship experience and a battle-tested resume.

Throughout his LFA career, Johns has faced elite competition and proven his ability to perform in the radiant lights of a main event. Now trying to get back into title contention, the veteran featherweight looks to derail one of Minnesota’s most promising rising stars.

Undefeated prospect Taner Trembley faces a career-defining test

Opposite Johns will be a hometown favorite Taner Trembley (6-0)who enters the fight with a perfect professional record and growing momentum.

Known for his aggressive fighting style and versatile skill set, Trembley continues to build a reputation as one of the most invigorating prospects in the region. Competing in front of his home crowd at the Mystic Lake Casino hotel, he will try to remain undefeated while achieving the biggest victory of his career.

With a former champion looking for redemption and an undefeated local talent chasing a breakthrough victory, LFA 231 promises an action-packed evening of elite MMA competition in Minnesota.

(Additional fights may be announced)

Main Card

Broadcast on VICE TV and LFA FIGHT NETWORK™ – 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT

Main Event – ​​Featherweight Fight (145 lbs)
Elijah Johns (10-3) vs. Taner Trembley (6-0)

Co-main event – ​​flyweight fight (125 pounds)
Ernesto Ibarra (10-1) vs. Devon Lozej (8-3)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Steve Collins (6-0) vs. Cole Faust (4-1)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Daniel Holt (4-0) vs. Korey Taylor (6-1)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Quintin Richards (5-0) vs. Canon Swanson (5-1-1)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Dzhamal Mavliudov (6-1) vs. Kelton Sneve (5-1)

Featherweight fight (145 pounds)
Beau Samaniego (8-3) vs. Abbas Abasov (5-1)

Catchweight fight (150 pounds)
Miljan Djukanovic (3-0) vs. Noah Gasho (3-0)

Flyweight fight (125 pounds)
Erick Medrano (0-0) vs. Gunnar Nelson (0-0)

Featherweight fight (145 pounds)
Kayara Hartfield (2-1) vs. Jess Hays (0-1)

Continue Reading

MMA

Fight card AKA 53: Championship rivalry headlines March 7 in Lake CharlesAKA 53: Rivalry, redemption and championship dreams collide in Lake Charles

Published

3 days ago

on

March 4, 2026

By


Lake Charles in Louisiana — AKA 53 Countdown – Hebert vs. Smith 2 it’s not just another fight night. It’s a story of competition, redemption and dreams of championship. Two warriors. Two gymnasiums. Two cities. One gold stripe.

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the cage doors close at the iconic Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, and when it does, all that matters is heart, skill and who wants it more.

In the main event, AKA Lightweight Championship takes center stage at AKA 53 as the reigning champion Elliot Hebert defends his gold against a hungry rival Hunter Smith in gameplay fueled by pride, competition and ambition for mastery. Hebert looks to cement his position at the top of the division with another dominant performance, while Smith steps into the spotlight determined to seize his moment and claim the belt for himself. When the cage doors close at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, it won’t just be about rankings or records – it will be about heart, grit and which lightweight is willing to push further when it matters most.

For a champion, it’s the legacy that counts. For the challenger, it’s about redemption. When the lights shine brightest, there are no excuses. No shortcuts. Just five rounds to define a career. The main event of AKA 53 will be a fierce title fight that perfectly reflects the main theme of the event – redemption vs. reign. The champion enters with a vengeance, continuing his streak of dominance and defending his own field. Opposite him is a challenger who has recovered from defeat, sharpened his tools and returned to competition.

Expect fireworks from the opening bell.

AKA 53 Full Fight Card

Saturday, March 7, 2026
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino – Lake Charles, Los Angeles

MAIN EVENT

  • AKA Lightweight Championship: Elliot Hebert vs. Hunter Smith

MAIN CARD

  • Flyweight fight: Austin Soileau vs. Tyler Forsythe
  • Featherweight fight: Nevan Driehuis vs. Adrian Smith

SUB CARD

  • Amateur Heavyweight Championship: Ayden Bell vs. Marcos Serrano
  • Catchweight 190-pound fight: Justin Carpenter vs. Keegan Williams
  • Welterweight fight: Byron Walker vs. Landon Erickson
  • Middleweight fight: Trey Duhon vs. Julio Melendez

PRELIMATES

  • Featherweight fight: Jake Traver vs. Alex Sibrian
  • KB middleweight fight: Caiden McDowell vs Mathew Barnard
  • KB Featherweight Fight: Jayce Carpenter vs. Darren Stevenson
  • Featherweight fight: Caydin Bass vs. Luis Larrazabal

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending