MMA legend who blinded Michael Bisping bursts into tears as he is inducted into UFC Hall of Fame
Vitor Belfort was hugely emotional as he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Three-weight contender Belfort had a hugely successful UFC career, taking on the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell. Belfort was in tears as he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame The Brazilian star had a career in MMA of 22 years, before retiring in 2018 after defeat to Lyoto Machida. And he has now been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, after a legendary stint in the octagon which saw him take on 10 champions. The 48-year-old, who has been inactive for seven years, burst into tears as he was rewarded at UFC 315. President of the promotion Dana White said: “Vitor Belfort was 19 years when he was signed by UFC and he quickly made an impact by becoming the youngest athlete to win a UFC fight, and UFC tournament. “Vitor was a pioneer of the sport and is definitely a UFC legend. It will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.” Belfort famously fought Bisping in 2013, blinding the Briton with a head kick which detached his retina. He subsequently needed surgery and after developing glaucoma was forced to use a prosthetic eye. Ultimately he had a sensational career, one which was rocked by controversy given his legal use of of testosterone-replacement therapy [TRT]. That was later banned from competition, unless proof of medical exemption was provided. Belfort retired from the UFC in 2018, but made the switch to the boxing ring in recent times. Belfort famously beat and injured Bisping 12 years agoGetty Images - Getty He fought heavyweight legend Evander Holyfield and scored a devastating KO in 2021. Bouts were then cancelled against Chad Dawson and Hasim Rahman Jr. But he did eventually return against Ronaldo Souza in 2023 winning on points, albeit his career now appears to finally be over. His legacy in the cage comes hand in hand with Bisping, who still isn’t his biggest fan to this day. Bisping named Belfort as the ‘worst person’ in MMA in a scathing rant. “Vitor Belfort,” he said. “You know, one of the biggest cheats in all the sport. Belfort has since even switched to the boxing ringAFP “I’ve never taken a steroid in my life. If you’re gonna step into a cage or a ring with a human being, it’s supposed to be about who is the better-skilled guy? “Who is the better fighter? Who is willing to train their a*** off? “Now we have contracts, and we have drug testing and all that type of stuff. “More importantly, as a man, you should be like, ‘I’m just trying to beat you fair and square’. “By getting up in the morning, going on a run, going to the gym – but this p**** was on every steroid under the sun.”
Vitor Belfort was hugely emotional as he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Three-weight contender Belfort had a hugely successful UFC career, taking on the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell.
The Brazilian star had a career in MMA of 22 years, before retiring in 2018 after defeat to Lyoto Machida.
And he has now been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, after a legendary stint in the octagon which saw him take on 10 champions.
The 48-year-old, who has been inactive for seven years, burst into tears as he was rewarded at UFC 315.
President of the promotion Dana White said: “Vitor Belfort was 19 years when he was signed by UFC and he quickly made an impact by becoming the youngest athlete to win a UFC fight, and UFC tournament.
“Vitor was a pioneer of the sport and is definitely a UFC legend. It will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”
Belfort famously fought Bisping in 2013, blinding the Briton with a head kick which detached his retina.
He subsequently needed surgery and after developing glaucoma was forced to use a prosthetic eye.
Ultimately he had a sensational career, one which was rocked by controversy given his legal use of of testosterone-replacement therapy [TRT].
That was later banned from competition, unless proof of medical exemption was provided.
Belfort retired from the UFC in 2018, but made the switch to the boxing ring in recent times.
He fought heavyweight legend Evander Holyfield and scored a devastating KO in 2021.
Bouts were then cancelled against Chad Dawson and Hasim Rahman Jr.
But he did eventually return against Ronaldo Souza in 2023 winning on points, albeit his career now appears to finally be over.
His legacy in the cage comes hand in hand with Bisping, who still isn’t his biggest fan to this day.
Bisping named Belfort as the ‘worst person’ in MMA in a scathing rant.
“Vitor Belfort,” he said. “You know, one of the biggest cheats in all the sport.
“I’ve never taken a steroid in my life. If you’re gonna step into a cage or a ring with a human being, it’s supposed to be about who is the better-skilled guy?
“Who is the better fighter? Who is willing to train their a*** off?
“Now we have contracts, and we have drug testing and all that type of stuff.
“More importantly, as a man, you should be like, ‘I’m just trying to beat you fair and square’.
“By getting up in the morning, going on a run, going to the gym – but this p**** was on every steroid under the sun.”
