Vitor Belfort has been one of the most feared fighters throughout his career, using devastating power coupled with ridiculous hand speed to run roughshod over his opponents. However, in the eyes of many, his career has been overshadowed by his well-publicized use of Testosterone Replacement Therapy.
Belfort, who has amassed 40 professional fights in his career, (26-13 & 1 NC) made his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship back at UFC 12 in February 1997, fighting the likes of David Abbott, Randy Couture and Wanderlei Silva in his early days. He even took a catchweight (210) bout with Alistair Overeem back in 2006.
However in the past few years, “The Phenom” has been much less effective inside the Octagon and has decided to hang up his four ounce gloves with one last fight against former UFC lightweight champion Lyoto Machida on May 12 at UFC 224. However, it seems that the Brazilian could be lured back if offered a large financial package.
Belfort recently talked to MMAJunkie.com on what it would take to keep him employed on the UFC roster.
“It’s what I said: in reality, it will be my final fight and my journey is ending. But nothing that a good contract — what, seven digits? — can’t do in terms of helping us return. I’ll keep training. I love doing this. But there needs to be a meaning. There needs to be a purpose and it needs to be something that makes sense.”
Belfort believes if Dana White and the new owners WME-IMG brought something significant to the table he’d gladly reconsider his decision.
“If, after this, I can sit down with UFC President Dana White and the new owners – if they have something to offer and they can hear me and we can come to an agreement, it will be great.”