Belfort criticizes UFC sponsorship policy, but guarantees he will not abandon the event

Vitor (photo) returns to fight in May, at UFC 198, in Curitiba. Photo: Disclosure

A constant critic of the UFC's new sponsorship policy, which granted exclusivity in the supply of sporting equipment and the exposure of brands in the Octagon to Reebok, Vitor belfort he once again complained about the way the organization has been dealing with its athletes. Belfort, however, assured that he will not leave Ultimate for this reason, but will try to make the event adapt and find a new format.

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“I don’t need to change events, I don’t need to run away. The saying goes: a great friend isn't the guy who only says things you want to hear, he's the one who speaks the truth. I am loyal to the organization, I believe in it, I fought for it. The UFC is on Globo because I called its owner, Robertinho (Marinho), and sat with him and Lorenzo (Fertitta) at a dinner. Just because I'm against them in this sense doesn't mean I want to abandon them. I want to be together in the change. It's easy to be together in times of joy. And in times of sadness? I want to show the UFC that they are wrong and that they will change. They just need to make a decision, bring the ATP (Professional Tennis Players Association) model”, said “Fenômeno”, in an interview with the “Combate” channel website.

The former champion also cited the high costs of a camp training to justify your point of view. “A camp costs a lot of money, it can range from 100 to 200 thousand dollars. Another important thing to mention is that if the fighter gets injured, the entire loss is on the fighter. We invest in ourselves, but no one pays you. There had to be a base salary for those who fight in the main and co-main fights. If you are on the preliminary card, you win 'X' or you will have the right for the sponsor to help pay for the camp. If the fighter is not satisfied, something is wrong. This is what has to change, urgently. We have to find a model in which everyone is satisfied. The dissatisfaction isn't just mine, it's that of several fighters, who suffer from this. I'm losing millions, millions, many millions. But it is not a question of value, because the Vitor belfort It's been there for 20 years, each one has its value. The guy who is winning doesn't always have more market value than the guy who has a history. There has to be a model that brings benefits to the fighters, which are the icing on the cake”, he guaranteed.

Vitor belfort returns to the Octagon on May 14th, in Curitiba (PR). The Fenômeno will take part in the co-main fight of UFC 198, at the Arena da Baixada stadium, against his compatriot Ronaldo Jacare. The duel has been seen as an eliminator for the middleweight title.