Tue May 13 01:00:00 UTC 2025: **UFC Legend Vitor Belfort to be Inducted into Hall of Fame**
LAS VEGAS, NV – UFC announced today that Vitor Belfort, former UFC light heavyweight champion and UFC 12 heavyweight tournament winner, will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Pioneer Wing as part of the 2025 class. The ceremony will take place on June 26th at T-Mobile Arena during International Fight Week and will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS.
UFC President Dana White lauded Belfort as a pioneer of the sport and a true legend, highlighting his early success as the youngest athlete to win a UFC fight and tournament at just 19 years old. Belfort’s impressive 22-year career saw him achieve a record of 26-14-1, with notable victories over multiple Hall of Famers including Wanderlei Silva, Randy Couture, Rich Franklin, Michael Bisping, and Dan Henderson.
Belfort’s career began with a stunning 12-second knockout in his professional debut in 1996. His UFC journey included winning the UFC 12 heavyweight tournament, a title reign as light heavyweight champion, and memorable battles against top contenders. He retired in 2018 after a long and successful career that spanned multiple promotions.
Belfort will become the 20th member of the Pioneer Era Wing, a category reserved for athletes who turned professional before November 17, 2000, and meet other eligibility requirements. Beyond his fighting career, Belfort is also an accomplished author and has achieved success in boxing.
First Piper 