Brazilian Legend Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort Joins ONE Championship

ONE Championship star Vitor Belfort works out

Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort is the latest superstar to sign with The Home Of Martial Arts.

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong made the announcement on Friday, 1 March.

https://www.facebook.com/yodchatri/posts/2211819068880242

Belfort is considered one of the best mixed martial artists in the history of the sport.

Throughout his 22-year career, he has competed in multiple different weight classes including heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight.

The Rio De Janeiro, Brazil native — who holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the legendary Carlson Gracie — has claimed several prestigious titles including the UFC Light Heavyweight World Championship, the UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament Championship, and the Cage Rage Light Heavyweight World Championship.

Now, he brings his immense talent to the world’s largest martial arts organization.

“It is with great pleasure and honor that I welcome Vitor Belfort into the ONE Championship family,” Sityodtong said in a statement.

“Vitor is, hands down, one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts. He is a legend across the world, and we are thrilled to have him as ONE expands into South America.

“A World Champion in multiple weight divisions, Vitor is a massive addition to our ever-growing roster of ONE Championship elite athletes. I cannot wait to see his explosive power and his exciting knockout finishes inside the ONE cage.”

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2200171543378328&set=pob.100001565101686

Belfort made his professional mixed martial arts debut in October 1996. Since that time, he has compiled a 26-14 (1 NC) record with 18 of those career victories ending via knockout.

He has also defeated many mixed martial arts World Champions including Wanderlei Silva, Dan Henderson, Randy Couture, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Michael Bisping, and even ONE Championship Vice President Rich Franklin.

The 41-year-old looks to build on his record in ONE and add another belt to his trophy case.

“I have been in this sport since I was 19 years old, and have been fortunate enough to witness its growth and evolution firsthand. I am grateful to so many for this incredible opportunity,” Belfort said.  

“ONE Championship is The Home Of Martial Arts, and I plan to become a ONE World Champion in front of some of the best martial arts fans in the world.”

Belfort is the latest addition in a string of signings, which includes Akiyama, Yushin Okami, Sage Northcutt, Demetrious Johnson, and Eddie Alvarez.

More in News

Ok Rae Yoon Alibeg Rasulov ONE Fight Night 23 57
John Lineker Alexey Balyko ONE Fight Night 25 42
Prajanchai PK Saenchai Jonathan Di Bella ONE Friday Fights 68 7
Christian Lee becomes the new ONE Welterweight World Champion
Gilbert Nakatani Hero 1200x1165
Aslamjon Ortikov Watcharaphon Singha Mawynn ONE Friday Fights 54 11
Anatoly Malykhin Oumar Kane ONE 169 68
Rodtang Jitmuangnon Jacob Smith ONE 169 89
Kade Ruotolo Ahmed Mujtaba ONE 169 31
Kongchai Chanaidonmueang Chokpreecha PK Saenchai ONE Friday Fights 87 42
Kongchai vs. Chokpreecha faceoff ONE Friday Fights 87
Tang Kai is victorious at ONE 160