Vitor Belfort, a name synonymous with excitement in mixed martial arts (MMA), has been a major player in the sport for decades.
Known for his explosive power and charisma, Belfort’s career spans from his early days in MMA to his high-profile bouts and endorsement deals.
In this article, you will learn about Vitor Belfort’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Vitor Belfort’s Biography
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vitor Vieira Belfort |
| Nickname | The Phenom |
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Reach | 74 in (188 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting Style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Karate |
| Team | Xtreme Couture, Blackzilians (former) |
| Spouse | Joana Prado |
| Children | 3 (Davi, Vitória, Kyara) |
| Profession | Mixed Martial Artist, Actor |
| MMA Debut | 1996 |
| Notable Achievements | Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion |
| Black Belt | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo |
Vitor Belfort was born on April 1, 1977, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up in a family deeply involved in martial arts, Belfort was exposed to the sport at a young age.
Early Career
Vitor Belfort’s journey into martial arts began with a focus on jiu-jitsu. By the age of 12, he was already competing and winning local tournaments.
His impressive performances in these competitions caught the attention of the MMA community.
MMA Career
Belfort’s official MMA debut came in 1996 at UFC 12, where he made an immediate impact with a knockout victory over Tra Telligman.
His impressive debut led to rapid recognition in the MMA world, and he quickly became one of the sport’s youngest rising stars.
Wife
Vitor Belfort is married to Joana Prado, a Brazilian model and former television personality. The couple has been together for several years and has a strong relationship.
Vitor and Joana have 3 children, and the family is known for maintaining a relatively private life despite Belfort’s high-profile career.
Vitor Belfort’s Net Worth Details
Vitor Belfort’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025.
Contract
| Organization | Contract Period | Contract Details |
|---|---|---|
| UFC | 1997-2005, 2009-2015 | Signed with UFC for multiple stints. Contracts generally included a base salary, win bonuses, and additional performance incentives. Specific figures varied over different periods. |
| PRIDE | 2005-2007 | Contract included fight purses, win bonuses, and often higher pay compared to UFC contracts due to PRIDE’s reputation for offering competitive compensation. |
| ONE Championship | 2018-2019 | Contract included base salary, fight bonuses, and potentially additional performance incentives. Terms generally aligned with ONE Championship’s competitive pay structure. |
Fight Purses
| Fight | Date | Opponent | Event | Purse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 12 | February 7, 1997 | Tank Abbott | UFC 12 | $10,000 |
| UFC 46 | January 31, 2004 | Randy Couture | UFC 46 | $40,000 |
| UFC 49 | August 21, 2004 | Rich Franklin | UFC 49 | $50,000 |
| UFC 52 | April 16, 2005 | Rob Emerson | UFC 52 | $60,000 |
| UFC 56 | November 19, 2005 | Nate Marquardt | UFC 56 | $80,000 |
| UFC 103 | September 19, 2009 | Rich Franklin | UFC 103 | $100,000 |
| UFC 126 | February 5, 2011 | Anderson Silva | UFC 126 | $150,000 |
| UFC 152 | September 22, 2012 | Jon Jones | UFC 152 | $200,000 |
| UFC 187 | May 23, 2015 | Chris Weidman | UFC 187 | $200,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 77 | November 7, 2015 | Dan Henderson | UFC Fight Night 77 | $250,000 |
Endorsements
Vitor Belfort has been associated with several brands and companies throughout his career.
Some of his notable endorsements include:
- Reebok: As a part of their athlete endorsement program.
- Bodybuilding.com: Promoting fitness and supplement products.
- Various Health and Fitness Brands: Including supplements and sports apparel.
Career Records
| Record Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 38 |
| Wins | 26 |
| Losses | 14 |
| Knockouts | 16 |
| Submission Wins | 10 |
FAQs
1. Who is Vitor Belfort?
Vitor Belfort is a Brazilian professional boxer and retired mixed martial artist known for his explosive knockout power. He competed in the UFC across multiple weight divisions, winning the UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament and the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. He also fought in Pride FC, Strikeforce, and Affliction.
2. What are Vitor Belfort’s most notable achievements in MMA?
Belfort’s key achievements include winning the UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament at age 19, becoming the youngest tournament winner in UFC history, and claiming the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. He is tied for fifth-most finishes in UFC history with 14 and holds records for first-round finishes.
3. When did Vitor Belfort retire from MMA?
Vitor Belfort retired from MMA in May 2018 after losing to Lyoto Machida at UFC 224. His MMA career spanned over two decades, during which he became one of the sport’s most iconic fighters.
4. What is Vitor Belfort’s nickname, and why is he called that?
Belfort’s nickname is “The Phenom,” earned for his incredible speed, power, and ability to secure quick knockouts early in his career, including his dominant performance at UFC 12.
5. Did Vitor Belfort face controversies during his career?
Yes, Belfort faced controversies related to his use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and failed drug tests. His TRT usage became public and was heavily scrutinized, especially after a failed test in 2012 that was initially concealed.
6. What is Vitor Belfort’s connection to Carlson Gracie?
Belfort trained under Carlson Gracie as a teenager, earning a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Training with Gracie played a significant role in shaping his MMA skills and career.
7. What did Vitor Belfort do after retiring from MMA?
After retiring from MMA, Belfort transitioned to boxing and participated in exhibition matches, including a high-profile bout against Evander Holyfield. He also remains active in fitness and motivational speaking.
8. Who is Vitor Belfort married to, and does he have children?
Belfort has been married to Joana Prado since 2003. They have three children: Davi, Victoria, and Kyara. His son Davi is a promising American football quarterback committed to Virginia Tech.
9. What is Vitor Belfort’s estimated net worth?
Vitor Belfort’s estimated net worth is $5 million. His income sources include fight purses from MMA and boxing matches, endorsements, sponsorships, and investments.
10. What are some of Vitor Belfort’s most famous fights?
Some of Belfort’s iconic fights include his 44-second TKO win over Wanderlei Silva at UFC Brazil in 1998 and his spinning heel kick knockout of Luke Rockhold in 2013. These victories showcased his striking prowess and solidified his legacy in MMA.
