Vitor Belfort to Join UFC Hall of Fame in 2025
MMA legend Vitor Belfort is set to be honored with one of the sport’s highest accolades—induction into the UFC Hall of Fame. The UFC announced that Belfort will be part of the Class of 2025, joining as the 20th member of the ‘Pioneer Era Wing’, which recognizes athletes who turned professional before November 17, 2000. The induction ceremony is scheduled for June 26, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, during UFC’s International Fight Week festivities.
A Phenom from the Start
Vitor Belfort’s rise to MMA stardom began in explosive fashion. At just 19 years old, he made his professional debut on October 11, 1996, knocking out Jon Hess in a mere 12 seconds despite facing a significant size disadvantage. That performance quickly caught the UFC’s attention.
He debuted in the UFC less than four months later, competing in the heavyweight division at UFC 12. Belfort impressed immediately, delivering back-to-back first-round TKOs against Tra Telligman and Scott Ferrozzo to win the UFC heavyweight tournament. He became the youngest fighter at the time to win both a UFC fight and a tournament.
Over the years, Belfort built an impressive résumé, compiling a 26-14 record with 1 no contest. Known for his lightning-fast hands and knockout power, he competed across multiple divisions, including heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight.Throughout his career.
Belfort shared the Octagon with some of the biggest names in MMA history, including Randy Couture, Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell, Jon Jones, and Michael Bisping. His ability to evolve and remain a threat across different eras of the sport earned him a loyal fanbase and a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers of his time.
Recognition from UFC LeadershipUFC President and CEO Dana White praised Belfort’s impact on the sport:
“Vitor Belfort was 19 years old 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.”
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With his induction, Belfort joins an elite group of fighters who helped lay the foundation for modern MMA. The ‘Pioneer Era Wing’ celebrates those who were instrumental in shaping the sport during its early, often unpredictable years.
Fans and fellow fighters alike will celebrate Belfort’s contributions at the Hall of Fame ceremony this June, cementing his legacy as one of the UFC’s most influential and memorable figures.
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