Vitor Belfort says he was close to returning to MMA, but the pandemic forced him to postpone plans

V. Belfort (photo) states that the pandemic postponed his return to MMA. Photo: Reproduction Facebook UFC

One of the biggest names in the history of Brazilian MMA, Vitor belfort was close to confirming his return to MMA. Hired by ONE FC last year, the athlete was preparing to debut for the new organization, however, due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), plans ended up being postponed.

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“My manager was talking to Chatri (Sityodtong, president of ONE) to confirm a fight, but then all this happened (pandemic). It's crazy. Everything has been put on hold, but I definitely want to get back into action and bring something new, reinvent myself. I think it will be for the last time and I’m certainly excited to get back into action”, said the ‘Phenomenon’ in an interview with ‘MMA Junkie’.

Without revealing his opponent, Belfort stated that ONE intended to select him to participate in the biggest card of the year. The fighter, however, avoided giving further details, as, according to him, the commitment is still in the negotiation process.

“I received a call from Chatri at the beginning of the year and we were preparing something that, according to him, would be the biggest fight for me and the biggest of the year. It was about to be announced, but, due to the virus (coronavirus), everything was paused”, said the fighter.

Vitor has not performed professionally in MMA since his defeat to Lyoto Machida, in May 2018, when he was still playing for the UFC. After the setback, the Brazilian signaled his retirement from the sport, however, he changed his mind months later, when he announced that he would join the group of ONE fighters.

Today, the ‘Phenomenon’ is 43 years old. The fighter has played 41 engagements, with 26 victories, 14 defeats and one unsuccessful fight.