Belfort gives up on retirement and announces return to MMA in 2019

Belfort reveals that he will fight again in 2019 (Photo: Reproduction/ Facebook UFC)

the retirement of Vitor belfort It lasted less than expected. After hanging up his gloves in May, when he was knocked out by Lyoto Machida at UFC 224, the 'Phenomenon' revealed that he is back. The fighter assured that he intends to compete in 2019 and is already listening to proposals for some events.

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In an interview with the podcast 'Ariel Helwani's MMA Show', Belfort, 41, recalled the speech he made after his last fight: “every story had a beginning, middle and end”. However, this Monday (17), he added an addendum to the phrase he said in May:

“Every story has a beginning, middle and end, but every story has a second (act). (…) I will continue (fighting), I will not stop. That's the word, that's right. I have a free pass. We are in negotiations. In 2019 I’ll be back,” said Belfort.

Also during the interview, Vitor praised Scott Coker, president of Bellator, and Chatri Sityodtong, director of ONE FC. However, the Phenomenon did not rule out a new contract with the UFC.

“I’m looking for a place where I can bring value. I see that we need a change. I'm a fighter and I'm an athlete, I want a place where I can be a fighter and an athlete. I want to be able to help the new generation, how they can be more successful”, he added.

Belfort's career

Vitor belfort hung up his gloves at UFC 224, an event held on May 12, in Rio de Janeiro. In the event he was knocked out in front of Lyoto Machida 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 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.

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