Vitor Belfort's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 29, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Vitor Belfort.

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: Belfort vs Couture II

On January 31, 2004, Vitor Belfort rematched Randy Couture for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and won in 49 seconds after a cut from his glove opened a corneal abrasion on Couture's eye, leading to a referee stoppage.

April 2006: Professional Boxing Debut

In April 2006, Vitor Belfort made his professional boxing debut against Josemario Neves. Belfort won the match by TKO in the first minute after knocking his opponent down three times.

April 2007: TKO Victory against Ivan Serati at Cage Rage 21

On April 21, 2007, Vítor Belfort defeated Ivan Serati by TKO at Cage Rage 21 in England.

September 2007: Cage Rage Light Heavyweight Title Win

On September 22, 2007, at Cage Rage 23, Vitor Belfort defeated James Zikic by unanimous decision, claiming the Cage Rage Light Heavyweight title. Despite entering the fight with a broken hand, he secured takedowns and utilized ground and pound techniques.

January 2012: Victory over Anthony Johnson at UFC 142

On January 14, 2012, at UFC 142, Belfort faced Anthony Johnson, who came in 11 pounds overweight. Belfort won the fight via rear naked choke in the first round.

January 2013: Victory over Michael Bisping at UFC on FX

On January 19, 2013, at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping, Vitor Belfort defeated Michael Bisping via TKO due to a head kick and punches, earning him the Knockout of the Night award.

May 2013: Knockout Victory Over Luke Rockhold

On May 18, 2013, at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold, Vitor Belfort faced Luke Rockhold and won the fight by a spinning wheel kick knockout in the first round, earning him another Knockout of the Night award.

November 2013: Knockout Victory Over Dan Henderson

On November 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 32, Vitor Belfort defeated Dan Henderson via first-round knockout, becoming the first person to defeat Henderson via strikes. He also earned his fifth Knockout of the Night bonus award.

November 2015: Victory over Dan Henderson at UFC Fight Night 77

On November 7, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 77, Vitor Belfort defeated Dan Henderson via a combination of head kick and punches, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus award.

June 2017: Victory over Nate Marquardt at UFC 212

On June 3, 2017, at UFC 212, Vitor Belfort faced Nate Marquardt and won the fight by unanimous decision, his first decision win in nearly a decade.

April 2023: Victory over Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza

In April 2023, Vitor Belfort competed against Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza in a professional boxing match at Gamebred Boxing 4 and defeated Jacare via unanimous decision.