Belfort explains poor performance in UFC's last years: 'The flame wasn't there'

V. Belfort talks about a bad phase before leaving the UFC. Photo: Reproduction Facebook ufc

Whether you are a young or more experienced MMA fan, you have certainly heard of Vitor belfort. Ultimate Champion in the early 2000s, the athlete had a successful career within the organization, however, in his last years as a UFC fighter, the Rio native accumulated a series of negative results until the end of his contract in 2018. Close to resuming his career, playing for ONE FC, the 'Phenomenon' spoke about the bad phase within the former company.

See too

Ngannou says a rematch with Miocic would be an easier duel than facing Cormier

Usman criticizes McGregor for 'silence' after challenge: 'Who denies a title fight?'

Adesanya calls Borrachinha a 'doped monkey' and promises to silence the Brazilian in a title fight

“When you lose your passion, you have to step away from the sport. I see a lot of people getting hurt, a lot of fighters getting shaken. I'm not just talking about the organization, but about ourselves. Sometimes we need time. You need time to reevaluate yourself, new challenges and, at times, the company needs someone different from you. I know you need to work for the company and I feel like I did that, but the organization needed someone at another time. So, I just finished my contract”, explained the 'Phenomenon' in an interview with 'MMA Fighting'.

In his last seven fights wearing UFC gloves, Belfort managed just two wins, adding four defeats and one fight without results. Considered by many to be one of the most important names in the history of the sport, Vitor stated that he no longer felt passionate about stepping into the Octagon.

“I think I violated my commitment to myself. My fire wasn't there. I was living off other people's fire, trying to say, 'I'll get my fire back if I hire this coach,' or 'I'll beat this guy if I do that.' I was always doing something to try to recover,” he said.

Now, at 43 years old, Belfort is ready to make his last appearance as an MMA athlete. Without playing for more than two years, the Rio native has an agreement to face the giant Alain Ngalani, for ONE, but with no set date. This will be the 42nd presentation of the 'Phenomenon' in sport.