Vitor Belfort is set to join the ranks of UFC Hall of Famers, adding another significant achievement to his storied career.
His inclusion in the 2025 Hall of Fame class was revealed during the UFC 315 broadcast in Montreal on Saturday. Belfort, aged 48, was present at the Bell Centre and celebrated the announcement. The induction ceremony is scheduled for June 28 in Las Vegas.
He will be inducted into the Pioneer Wing of the Hall of Fame.
Across 26 fights over several periods with the promotion, Belfort proved to be a dangerous competitor across multiple weight classes, known for his formidable knockout power. He challenged for a UFC title five times. At UFC 46, he captured the light heavyweight championship by defeating Randy Couture, though this victory was somewhat overshadowed by the fight ending due to a severe cut that stopped Couture. Couture later won the rematch.
Nevertheless, Belfort enjoyed considerable success throughout his career, competing in major organizations like the UFC, PRIDE, and Affliction. His time in the UFC is perhaps most memorable, where besides his championship bouts against Couture, he also faced other prominent champions such as Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, and Chris Weidman for titles.
His list of impressive knockout victories includes notable names like Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva, Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold, and Rich Franklin.
Belfort was recognized as a potential star from his very first appearance in the UFC in February 1997, when he was just 19. At UFC 12, “The Phenom” quickly won a one-night heavyweight tournament, needing a combined two minutes to defeat Scott Ferrozzo and Tra Telligman. His profile continued to rise rapidly after a 52-second knockout win over Tank Abbott at UFC 13.
He now joins other prominent figures in the UFC`s Pioneer Wing, including fellow Brazilian icons Anderson Silva and Wanderlei Silva, as well as Matt Hughes, Chuck Liddell, and Randy Couture.
The induction ceremony at T-Mobile Arena on June 28 will also honor other individuals and events, including two-division champion Amanda Nunes and former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler (Modern Wing), the memorable UFC 236 title fight between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum (Fight Wing), and producer Craig Piligian (Contributor Wing).
