Challenges Faced by Vitor Belfort: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Vitor Belfort faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Vitor Belfort is a Brazilian professional boxer and retired mixed martial artist. He is renowned for his time in the UFC, where he held both the Light Heavyweight Championship and won the UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament. Celebrated for his striking power and finishing ability, Belfort holds a place among the leaders for most finishes in UFC history. Beyond the UFC, Belfort also competed in notable MMA promotions such as Pride FC, Strikeforce, and Affliction, marking a significant career across various organizations.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2001: ADCC Championship participation

In 2001, Vitor Belfort participated in the ADCC championships in the Absolute division. He won against Genki Sudo and Ricco Rodriguez by points but lost to Ricardo Arona by points in the semi-final. In the 3rd place fight, he defeated Ricardo Almeida, winning the bronze medal after Almeida could not continue due to a knee injury.

January 2004: Disappearance of Priscila Belfort

On 9 January 2004, Vitor Belfort's sister, Priscila, disappeared, and the family received no information about her whereabouts.

August 2004: Belfort vs Couture III

On August 21, 2004, Vitor Belfort fought Randy Couture for the third time; Couture won via doctor stoppage after the third round, recapturing the title.

October 2006: Loss to Dan Henderson and positive drug test

On October 21, 2006, at Pride 32: The Real Deal, Belfort lost a unanimous decision to Dan Henderson. After the fight, Belfort tested positive for 4-hydroxytestosterone, an illegal substance.

December 2006: Suspension by Nevada State Athletic Commission

On December 21, 2006, Vitor Belfort was suspended for nine months and fined $10,000 by the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to testing positive for an illegal substance.

August 2007: Confession in Priscila Belfort's disappearance case

In August 2007, Elaine Paiva confessed to participating in the kidnapping and killing of Vitor Belfort's sister, Priscila, claiming she was kidnapped to pay off a four thousand dollar debt. Paiva and three others were arrested, but Priscila's remains were never found.

January 2009: Affliction Event

In January 2009, Belfort was scheduled to fight Matt Lindland at the second Affliction event. However, he was forced to pull out due to a hand injury sustained during the Terry Martin fight. The event was postponed and rescheduled, enabling Belfort to fight on that card.

January 2010: UFC 108 Fight Postponed

In January 2010, Belfort was expected to face Anderson Silva for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 108, but the fight was postponed due to Silva's injury.

February 2010: UFC 109 Fight Canceled

In February 2010, Belfort was again slated to fight Anderson Silva at UFC 109, but the fight was canceled because of Silva's surgery.

April 2010: UFC 112 Fight Canceled

In April 2010, a fight between Vitor Belfort and Anderson Silva at UFC 112 was canceled due to an injury suffered by Belfort.

2010: Response to James Toney's Challenge

In 2010, Vitor Belfort responded to former IBA Heavyweight Champion James Toney's challenge to fight an MMA fighter in the boxing ring, expressing interest in representing MMA against Toney in a 6-round professional match.

November 2011: Removal from UFC 139

In November 2011, Belfort was briefly linked to a matchup with Cung Le at UFC 139, but he was removed from the bout due to injury and replaced by Wanderlei Silva.

May 2012: Withdrawal from UFC 147

On May 27, 2012, Belfort was forced to pull out of his rematch against Wanderlei Silva at UFC 147 due to a broken hand in training. He was replaced by Rich Franklin.

October 2012: UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

On October 13, 2012, at UFC 152, Vitor Belfort replaced Lyoto Machida in a bout against Jon Jones for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Belfort lost via keylock in the fourth round.

July 2014: Removal from UFC 175

In July 2014, Vitor Belfort was expected to face Chael Sonnen at UFC 175, but Sonnen failed a drug test and was removed. Belfort was also removed from the card due to the UFC's inability to find him a new opponent.

December 2014: Belfort vs. Weidman

Vitor Belfort was expected to face Chris Weidman on December 6, 2014, at UFC 181.

January 2015: Belfort vs. Weidman

On January 30, 2015, the UFC announced that Weidman had pulled out of the bout again, citing an injury he sustained in training.

February 2015: Belfort vs. Weidman

On February 28, 2015, the bout was again rescheduled to take place on 28 February 2015, at UFC 184

May 2015: Loss to Chris Weidman at UFC 187

On May 23, 2015, at UFC 187, Vitor Belfort faced Chris Weidman, finding initial success but ultimately losing via TKO due to punches after Weidman secured a takedown and achieved mount position.

May 2016: Loss to Ronaldo Souza at UFC 198

On May 14, 2016, at UFC 198, Vitor Belfort faced Ronaldo Souza and lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

October 2016: Loss to Gegard Mousasi at UFC 204

On October 8, 2016, at UFC 204, Vitor Belfort fought Gegard Mousasi and lost the fight via TKO in the second round.

March 2017: No Contest Result Against Kelvin Gastelum

On March 11, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 106, Belfort faced Kelvin Gastelum and lost via K.O. in the first round. However, the result was overturned to a No Contest after Gastelum tested positive for marijuana.

January 2018: Fight Cancellation Against Uriah Hall

On January 14, 2018, Vitor Belfort was expected to face Uriah Hall at UFC Fight Night: Stephens vs. Choi. However, on January 13, 2018, the bout was cancelled because Hall fainted and suffered seizures from weight-cutting practices.

June 2021: Boxing bout cancellation

In early June 2021, it was announced that Vitor Belfort would face Michael "The Real Tarzann" Holston in a professional boxing bout on 19 June 2021. However, the bout was later cancelled for unknown reasons.