Belfort fought against Lyoto with an injured knee at UFC 224, in Rio

Lyoto (left) beats Belfort (right) at UFC 224. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc

Vitor belfort retired from MMA with a brutal knockout at UFC 224, an event held last Saturday (12), in Rio de Janeiro. The 'Phenomenon' received a frontal blow and fell unconscious in the fight against his compatriot Lyoto Machida. But what no one knew until then was that he entered the octagon far from his ideal condition. The former UFC champion suffered a grade II injury to the medial ligament in his left knee.

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According to a report produced by the Combate channel website, Vitor suffered the injury during the first week of preparation in Canada. He was away from training for two weeks and three doctors advised him to give up the fight. However, with his retirement expected to take place 'at home', Belfort decided to continue in the duel, but without the possibility of shooting in the dispute against Machida. In combat, he actually avoided kicks – which marked the end of his career with knockouts over former champions Luke Rockhold e Michael Bisping – and chose only to work with punch combinations.

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Belfort's career

Vitor belfort he hung up his gloves last Saturday (12) after being knocked out in his 41st fight as a professional. The Brazilian had 26 wins, 14 losses and one fight without result (No Contest). Among his main achievements of the 'Phenomenon' are the UFC heavyweight GP, in 1997, at the age of 19; the UFC light heavyweight belt (up to 93,1 kg.) in 2004 and the Cage Rage middleweight title in 2007.