Former light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, the promotion announced.
Belfort (26-14, 1 no contest) made his professional MMA debut at 19 years of age on Oct. 11, 1996. The Brazilian defeated Jon Hess via knockout in 12 seconds of the first round despite being at a seven-inch, 100-pound disadvantage.
Belfort immediately signed with UFC following his victory.
He made his UFC debut as a heavyweight on Feb. 7, 1997, recording first-round TKO wins over both Tra Telligman and Scott Ferrozzo to win the heavyweight tournament.
“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,” UFC president & CEO Dana White said. “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.”
Belfort will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 20th member of the Pioneer Era Wing, which includes athletes who turned professional before Nov. 17, 2000.
The 2025 UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on June 26 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
–Field Level Media
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