The UFC had already announced its inductees into the 2025 Class of Hall of Fame in the Modern Wing, Contributors Wing, Fight Wing, and Forrest Griffin Community Award. During the UFC 315 broadcast, commentator Jon Anik announced that Vitor Belfort was the inductee in the Pioneer Wing.
Dwayne Johnson Wished Vitor Belfort After the Hall of Fame Induction
Vitor Belfort had a storied career in MMA, fighting for the UFC, Pride FC, Strikeforce, and more. He achieved notoriety for his long stint in the UFC, though many still hold a grudge towards “The Phenom” for his doping violations, particularly Luke Rockhold, the former UFC Middleweight champion.
Nonetheless, WWE superstar and Hollywood icon Dwayne Johnson was happy for Belfort. In the comments section of UFC’s Instagram post highlighting Belfort’s emotional reaction to being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Johnson wrote: “loved watching you fight brother, congratulations.”
View this post on Instagram
In the UFC, Belfort fought in three weight classes: Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, and Heavyweight. Though he won the UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament, Belfort achieved his best success at Light Heavyweight, where he became champion by defeating Randy Couture at UFC 46.
Unfortunately, Belfort lost the title in the rematch at UFC 49. “The Phenom’s” next shot at a UFC title was for Anderson Silva’s Middleweight strap. Silva won the fight at UFC 126 by first-round knockout.
Two UFC fights later, Belfort challenged Jon Jones for the Light Heavyweight title, losing via fourth-round submission at UFC 152. Three fights after the loss, Belfort got a second crack at the Middleweight title at UFC 187, but lost to Chris Weidman by first-round TKO.
The 48-year-old announced his retirement five fights later after a second-round knockout loss at UFC 224 to Lyoto Machida.
“The Phenom” still holds the record for the most first-round finishes in the UFC at 13. Overall, he is third with 12 most knockouts in the promotion, behind Derrick Lewis (15) and Matt Brown (13).
Belfort’s fan-friendly style struck a chord with the UFC fanbase. It’s one reason Hollywood stars like “The Rock” appreciate the legacy that The Phantom has left behind.
Johnson’s MMA Film Set to be Released
Johnson will portray a UFC legend in the film “The Smashing Machine,” which will be released on Oct. 3. The biopic film will have the 53-year-old essaying the role of Mark Kerr, the two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. The movie’s name is Kerr’s nickname, and HBO had already released a documentary with the same title in 2002.
Before the UFC, Kerr was a successful athlete in collegiate, freestyle, and submission wrestling, evidenced by his triumphs at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship, the Wrestling World Cup, and the ADCC Championships. Unfortunately, he also suffered from substance abuse during his MMA career.
Emily Blunt will portray Kerr’s ex-wife, Dawn Staples, while former UFC fighters Bas Rutten and Ryan Bader are also in the movie. Oleksandr Usyk, the former undisputed Heavyweight boxing champion, will essay the role of Igor Vovchanchyn, a Pride FC legend.