Earlier this afternoon we reported that mixed martial arts legend Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort was hanging up his gloves and retiring from the fight game.
Belfort had taken to Instagram and posted the following photo which included the statement “I decided that I will end this chapter of my life looking at the mirror and recognizing myself.”
A photo posted by Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (@vitorbelfort) on
However, when reached by MMAJunkie, Belfort stated that his Instagram post was not what it seemed and proclaimed the following:
“I’m not retired,” Belfort said emphatically. “I want to fight again soon. I am driven to get back on my feet and honor the nickname I so proudly carry. ‘The Phenom’ is back.”
He continued:
“I am not pleased with my two last performances and changes are being made,” Belfort said. “I don’t want to end my career the way it is right now. I want to look at the mirror and recognize myself as a the fighter I always have been. I have 20 years in this sport, and I intend to honor that legacy.”
The 39-year-old former UFC champion has suffered back-to-back TKO losses in his past two octagon appearances at the hands of Jacare Souza and most recently Gegard Mousasi.
Prior to those setbacks, Vitor had scored a head kick knockout victory over fellow mixed martial arts legend Dan Henderson at UFC Fight Night 77 in November of 2015.
Who would you like to see “The Phenom” fight in his next octagon appearance? Sound off PENN Nation!
UFC legend Michael Bisping has gone after one of his former opponents in a passionate rant about steroid use.
If there’s one thing we know about Michael Bisping, it’s that he isn’t afraid to speak his mind. If he has something to say, then he’ll say it without worrying about who he offends. During his fighting career, that made him public enemy number one for a lot of his fellow competitors – but nobody can deny that he was entertaining.
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has revealed that he has somehow developed a beef with Vitor Belfort.
Earlier this month, Sean O’Malley climbed to the top of the mountain. He was able to knock Aljamain Sterling out, claiming the UFC bantamweight championship in the process. It was a moment many expected to happen at one point or another, and now, he’s finally the king of the castle.
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping still isn’t fond of Vitor Belfort.
‘The Count’ and ‘The Phenom’ headlined a UFC Fight Night in January 2013 in Brazil. In that outing, Belfort scored a second-round highlight-reel knockout win. The win was one of three consecutive finishes for the former champion, as it helped him earn a title shot in May 2015 against Chris Weidman.
Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort wants to return to the boxing ring soon.
‘The Phenom’ has been out of the ring since his clash with Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza at Gamebred Boxing 4 earlier this month. The bout was a rematch of sorts, as the two had previously fought in MMA under the UFC banner. In May 2016, Souza defeated the former champion by first-round stoppage.
Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort seemingly wants to continue boxing.
‘The Phenom’ returned to the boxing ring over the weekend at Gamebred Boxing 4. In the co-main event, the Brazilian faced Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza. The bout was a rematch of sorts, as the latter defeated Belfort by first-round TKO back at UFC 198 in May 2016.
Tonight’s Gamebred Boxing 4 event was co-headlined by a heavyweight fight between Vitor Belfort and Jacare Souza.
Belfort (26-14 MMA, 1-0 Boxing) was returning to action for the first time since defeating boxing legend Evander Holyfield via first-round TKO in an exhibition bout in 2021. ‘The Phenom’ was looking to avenge his previous loss to ‘Jacare’ which occurred via TKO at UFC 198 in May of 2016.
Tonight’s Gamebred Boxing 4 event is co-headlined by a heavyweight fight between Vitor Belfort and Jacare Souza.
Belfort (26-14 MMA, 1-0 Boxing) will be returning to action for the first time since defeating boxing legend Evander Holyfield via first-round TKO in an exhibition bout in 2021. ‘The Phenom’ will be looking to avenge his previous loss to ‘Jacare’ which occurred via TKO at UFC 198 in May of 2016.
Vitor Belfort was hoping to box Roy Jones Jr. at Gamebred Boxing 4.
When Belfort was first offered to box on the card, the Brazilian says he was going to headline the card against Jones Jr. in a massive fight for both men. Yet, the former UFC light heavyweight champion revealed Jones Jr. turned him down as he wanted an easier matchup.
