Belfort (photo) dedicated more than half of his life to MMA. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Vitor belfort He is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most important names in the history of Brazilian MMA. Pupil of the legendary Carlson Gracie, Vitor has been a professional since 1996 and not only passed, but also had great prominence in all phases of the sport, from the days of MMA to mixed martial arts. This Wednesday, April 1st, the “Phenomenon” turns 38 years old and the SUPER FIGHTS remembers the biggest moments of his career.
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At just 19 years old, and having had three professional fights, Vitor belfort was already champion of a UFC tournament – repeating the feats of Royce gracie (3 times) and Marco Ruas. In 2004, Vitor became the second Brazilian to win a belt in a category, beating Randy Couture and taking the light heavyweight title.
Belfort was also part of the fight that is considered the main factor that motivated the explosion of MMA popularity in Brazil: the “Fight of the Century” against Anderson Silva, at UFC 126. Despite the traumatic outcome for the Rio native, who ended up being knocked out with a spectacular front kick, the duel is forever marked in the history of Brazilian sport.
Today, almost 20 years into his career, Vitor remains among the biggest names in the sport and is preparing to once again compete for a UFC title. The disciple of the legendary Carlson Gracie will face the champion Chris Weidman on May 23rd, at UFC 187, in Las Vegas (USA).
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