Issue 146

October 2016

Eight things you need to know about the Brazilian legend known for his explosive power.

Early start

Belfort began his fighting education with boxing coach Claudio Coelho as a 12-year-old.

Black belt

‘Vitinho’ achieved the highest rank in jiu-jitsu from Carlson Gracie when he was just 17.

Graduation

A teenage Belfort trained with seniors: Murilo Bustamante, Ricardo Liborio and Wallid Ismail.

Size control

For his first fight, the Brazilian was 100lb lighter than Jon Hess, but he still KO’d him in 12 seconds. 

Place your bet

Shaquille O’Neal backed Belfort in that fight and won a gold Rolex in a bet with Magic Johnson. 

Family values

Known as Carlos Gracie’s son, Belfort was first promoted as ‘Victor Gracie’ by the UFC.

Screen queen

Belfort met his wife, Joana Prado, on reality show Casa dos Artistas, where he sucked her toes in a hot tub on national TV.

Risqué

‘The Phenom’ later appeared naked with his better half in Playboy.