The MMA Legend Vitor Belfort had earlier stated on Instagram that he would ‘end this chapter’ referring to his career. However, now it appears as if the Phenom has changed his retirement plans and wants to come back to the Octagon one more time.
The Brazilian went online, in an Instagram post to announce his retirement as he had stated-
“I decided that I will end this chapter of my life looking at the mirror and recognising myself.”
Many fans and websites interpreted this to be his retirement as he was on a two-fight losing streak, but everyone was wrong. The news was later clarified by Mmajunkie.com when they had contacted Belfort.
The Phenom denied his retirement claims- “I’m not retired” and further went on to say-
“I want to fight again soon. I am driven to get back on my feet and honor the nickname I so proudly carry. ‘The Phenom’ is back.”
He expressed his disappointment as he continued-
“I am not pleased with my two last performances and changes are being made. I don’t want to end my career the way it is right now. I want to look at the mirror and recognize myself as a the fighter I always have been. I have 20 years in this sport, and I intend to honor that legacy.”
Belfort was referring to his losing streak with his latest knockout loss to veteran Gegard Mousasi at UFC 204. Prior to this, he had suffered another devastating TKO loss to former Strikeforce champion Jacare Souza at UFC 198.
But before tables were turned in the wrong direction in his career, he had scored a knockout victory over MMA legend Dan Henderson thus sealing the trilogy between the two of them.
After dropping down to middleweight division he secured three impressive wins in 2013 over former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, current middleweight champion Michael Bisping and former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson.
This impressive streak earned him a shot at then-champion Chris Weidman, thus attempting to be a third two-divisional UFC champion but was finished by the American in round one. Without a doubt, the fans are happy to hear that The Phenom isn't going to hang up his boots and gloves but can he resurrect his past glory?
