The world of mixed martial arts in the last few years is developing very rapidly. Every year, new bright stars are lit in his horizon, the battles of which delight the audience. But in this galaxy of outstanding athletes there are those who, even during their lifetime, became real legends of fights according to the rules of MMA. One of the real pioneers of fighting without rules is the Brazilian fighter Vitor Belfort, which we will talk about in detail in the article.
Birth
The future champion was born on the first April day of 1977 in the capital of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. Already from the age of eight, he began to actively engage in martial arts. A little later, he became a student of the world-famous Gracie clan. At age 16, Belfort Vitor reached the title of champion of his country in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the open weight category. And a year later, the young man became the owner of a black belt in this martial art, which is technically difficult.
The beginning of a career in MMA
Vitor Belfort, whose weight consistently falls within the middle weight category, held his first duel according to the rules of mixed style in the fall of 1996. John Hess then became his opponent. Already at the twelfth second of the battle, the American was in a deep knockout, and the young Brazilian was immediately invited to speak, in the Absolute Fighting Championship, which is just beginning its active life (now it is well known as the UFC).
Championship
On February 7, 1997, Belfort Vitor held his first bout in the American promotion. Tra Telligman, whom our hero knocked out in the first round, became his rival in the semifinals. Later there was a finale in which the Brazilian defeated yet another American named Scott Ferrozzo. Thus, already in 20 years, Vitor turned out to be the champion of the UFC. After such a success, an outstanding boxer Mike Tyson called Belfort and personally congratulated him on his triumph.
First defeat
On October 17, 1997, as part of UFC 17, Vitor fought with an excellent fighter Randy Couture. The fight ended in the first round of an early victory for the American. As a result of this, he became a contender for the title of champion. It is worth noting that subsequently these athletes will meet twice in the octagon cell. On January 31, 2004, Vitor will celebrate the victory, and after another 7 months, the American will remain the winner.
Fights in japan
In 1999, Belfort Vitor begins his fighting career in the Land of the Rising Sun. Already in his first debut in the PRIDE promotion, the Brazilian is losing to Kazushi Sakurabe. However, then he wins four fights in a row, defeating such titans as Gilbert Ivel, Heath Herring, Bobby Southworth and Daijiro Matsui.
Continuation of performances
In 2002, a promising Brazilian moves from a heavy weight category to a light heavy. In the new division, he performed with varying success, losing key fights. But still he managed to be the champion of UFC. He was also pursued by injuries and numerous steroid scandals.
Career continuation
At the end of 2005, Vitor Belfort, whose training was always exhausting, began his performances in the British promotion called Cage Rage. In this organization, the Brazilian was able to become a full-fledged champion and show the whole world that at that time the European MMA fighters were still very weak.
In the spring of 2006, Vitor tried himself as a professional boxer. Moreover, the debut was successful. Already in the first round, compatriot Neves was defeated.
Climbing to the best league in the world
In 2008, Belfort Vitor fought as part of the Affliction company, where he began performing in a new category of up to 84 kilograms (average weight). In this division, he won two bright victories in a row, which attracted the attention of scouts from the UFC. As a result, in the fall of 2009, he again in the octagon of the strongest promotion on the planet, and fights with the former champion of this organization, Rich Franklin. The fight did not go the whole distance: the Brazilian knocked out the American in the first five minutes.
In the next battle, our hero was confronted by the formidable titan of the middle division Anderson Silva. Unfortunately, for Belfort fans, he lost ahead of schedule, missing a kick to the head. But six months later, Vitor triumphantly returns to the cage, destroying the opponent in the person of the Japanese Yoshihiro Akiyama. For this victory, the Brazilian received an award for the best knockout of the evening, as well as a prize of seventy thousand dollars.
In the fall of 2012, Vitor replaced the injured fighter to conduct a title fight against John Jones. At some point, it seemed that the Brazilian will be able to perform a painful reception for the champion, but in the end he himself lost ahead of schedule.
After this fight, Belfort defeated Bisping, Rockhold and Henderson until he lost to Weidman. This defeat Vitor closed in a rematch against Henderson, whom he knocked out with a blow to the head. However, after the Phenomenon, it loses three bouts in a row, one of which (against Gastelum) was later declared not held, due to the failure of the American doping test.
It is worth noting that the best fights of Vitor Belfort were regularly marked by the leadership of the promotion, for which the Brazilian was repeatedly awarded with substantial amounts of money.
Family status
As for life outside the cage, the athlete is married, has three children and is fluent in three languages: English, French and Spanish. As a hobby, he is fond of beach volleyball, surfing, loves good movies and takes care of pets.
During his career, a fighter has repeatedly beaten various records in this sport. There is no doubt that Belfort entered his name in the history of MMA for a long time.