Vitor Belfort reveals that Silvio Santos refused the rights to broadcast the UFC for free

The transmission opportunity occurred in 2002, when V. Belfort participated in Casa dos Artistas. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram Silvio Santos)

In 2002, the fighter Vitor belfort participated in the second edition of 'Casa dos Artistas', a reality show produced by SBT, and became a national celebrity. During the UFC 224 press conference, on Thursday (10), Vitor belfort stated that Silvio Santos refused to broadcast the UFC for free on SBT.

See too

Belfort considers retirement again after UFC Rio

Towards the end of his career, Vitor Belfort reflects: 'You are not treated like an athlete'

UFC 224: Find out why to bet on the Brazilians on the preliminary card

“Silvio Santos must be angry now. He was with the UFC for free. You're welcome? They extended the rights to all UFCs for free. He said: 'take it'”, said Belfort.

SBT broadcast the fight between Vitor and Chuck Liddell at UFC 37.5 in June 2002. With the Brazilian's defeat, the channel lost interest in broadcasting the event. Edition 37.5 of Ultimate was the first to be broadcast on an open channel in Brazil. The UFC was only broadcast again on open TV by Rede TV! in 2009 on the UFC sem Limites program.

Since 2012, Grupo Globo has had the rights to broadcast the events.

Poatan in danger? Veteran calls for 'war' and believes in victory against Brazilian in UFC