V. Belfort has a 22-year MMA career. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @vitorbelfort
It didn't last long! After nine months of retirement, Vitor belfort announced his return to MMA. During a press conference held this Thursday, in Asia, ONE Championship announced the signing of the Brazilian.
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Even though there is no date for his debut in the Asian organization, Belfort named three fighters he would like to face. The first was the former boxer, Roy Jones Jr, who he would like to face if he can do 'dirty boxing' (where punches can be thrown in the clinch). In addition to Wanderlei and Anderson Silva.
"I'm crazy. I would face Roy Jones Jr. and a boxing match, but on one condition, if I can do dirty boxing. It would be a good fight. (…) (Wanderlei) It would be a good fight, but he would have to act differently, at ONE we have a code of honor. He would have to look at your mouth a little more (laughs) And what Anderson Silva, bring him to fight in ONE? Why not? Everything is possible”, said Vitor.
The 'Phenomenon' joins the former UFC athletes who were contacted by ONE Championship: Demetrious Johnson, Eddie Alvarez and Sage Northcutt. From his new home, the Brazilian will return to Asia after 13 years. His last fight on the Asian continent was for Pride in July 2006, when he knocked out Kazuo Takahashi 36 seconds into the first round.
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong celebrated Belfort's signing and welcomed the Brazilian.
“It is with great pleasure and honor that I welcome Vitor belfort to the ONE Championship family. Vitor is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts. He's a legend around the world, and we're thrilled to have him here as ONE expands into South America. A world champion in multiple weight divisions, Vitor is a massive addition to our roster of elite ONE athletes Championship. I can’t wait to see his explosive power and exciting knockouts inside the ONE cage,” said Sityodtong in an official statement.
At 41, Vitor belfort retired after being knocked out by Lyoto Machida in May last year at UFC 224. The 'Phenomenon' has 41 fights in his career, with 26 wins, 14 losses and one fight without result. The Brazilian won the UFC light heavyweight belt in 2004, after knocking out Randy Couture in the first round.
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