MMA: Former UFC champion Vitor Belfort signs with ONE Championship

AFTER roping in Eddie Alvarez, Demetrious Johnson and Sage Northcutt, ONE Championship has now signed another mixed martial arts (MMA) legend, ‘The Phenom’ Vitor Belfort.

The former UFC world champion from Brazil sealed a contract with the promotion, and was introduced at a ONE Championship ‘Open Workout’ event in Las Vegas, Nevada today.

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, described the signing a massive addition to the ever-growing roster of ONE Championship elite athletes.

“It is with great pleasure and honor that I welcome Vitor Belfort into the ONE Championship family.

“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, I cannot wait to see his explosive power and his exciting knockout finishes inside the ONE cage,” he said in statement.

Hailing from Rio De Janeiro, Belfort is one of the most popular mixed martial artists to ever come out of Brazil.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the legendary Carlson Gracie, Belfort became one of the earliest stars of the sport, making his professional debut in 1996 at the age of 19.

In a career that has spanned over two decades and 41 professional bouts, Belfort has become a Heavyweight Tournament Champion, a Light Heavyweight World Champion in two different organizations, and a perennial top contender in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.

While traditionally trained as a grappler, it was Belfort’s lightning-fast hands and devastating knockout power that brought him undeniable success in his mixed martial arts career.

Over the years he has collected a remarkable 18 wins via knockout in his 26 professional career victories.

Meanwhile, Belfort in a response to his signing, said he aims to become a ONE World Champion.

“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. First of all, I would like to thank my wife Joana and my children, Davi, Victoria and Kyara for their infinite love and support.

“My management, Lloyd Pierson and Ballengee Group, guided me through this process with unmatched expertise. I would like to of course thank Chatri Sityodtong and ONE Championship, who gave me this great honour to fight in front of the Asian audience,” said the 41-year-old fighter.

A bonafide legend in the sport, Belfort (26-14-1) has notable victories over the likes of Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin, Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold, and Dan Henderson, twice.

Belfort has also faced other big-name stars such as Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, and Lyoto Machida, among others.

He now looks to continue his legendary career with ONE Championship.