UFC veteran, Michael Bisping, expresses ambiguous sentiments about Victor Belfort's inclusion in the UFC Hall of Fame.
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping Expresses Mixed Feelings about Vitor Belfort's Hall of Fame Induction
Vitor Belfort is set to join the UFC Hall of Fame this summer, with his career achievements widely recognized despite controversies surrounding his use of performance-enhancing substances. However, Bisping's former opponent, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping, expressed mixed feelings about the induction, sharing a personal story related to their past bout.
In 2013, Bisping suffered a severe eye injury during his fight against Belfort at UFC on FX 7. The Brazilian's strike led to vision loss for Bisping, necessitating a glass eye. The event had a significant impact on the Brit's career and life, shaping him permanently.
Belfort's career achievements in the UFC are undeniably impressive. At just 19 years old, he became the UFC heavyweight champion, and later, the light heavyweight champion. He even came close to capturing the middleweight title, making him the UFC's closest equivalent to a three-weight champion. Belfort's victories over high-profile opponents throughout his two-decade career highlight his stature within the sport.
Reflecting on Belfort during an interview on The Bohnfire podcast, Bisping acknowledged his opponent's accomplishments. Despite the eye injury and controversies related to performance-enhancing substances, Bisping acknowledged Belfort's UFC heavyweight and lightweight championships.
Bisping humorously added his personal stance, stating, "He took my eye, so he can put his plaque somewhere the sun doesn't shine. But you can't deny his achievements." Despite the sentiment, Bisping's remarks underscore the impact Belfort has had on the sport and his opponents.
Belfort currently holds the record for the most first-round knockout/technical knockout victories in UFC history (13), and he won a tournament at UFC 12.
Source: [Enrichment Data]- Michael Bisping's significant eye injury during the fight against Vitor Belfort in 2013 required a glass eye.- Belfort's career achievements include becoming the UFC heavyweight champion at 19 and winning the light heavyweight title.- Belfort's career has been marred by controversies related to performance-enhancing substances.
Bookmakers, considering Bisping's remarks during his interview on The Bohnfire podcast, might find it challenging to predict Belfort's UFC Hall of Fame induction's impact on future bet lines for the sport.
Sports enthusiasts, recognizing Bisping's eye injury and personal feelings towards Vitor Belfort, may continue to express mixed opinions about Belfort's Hall of Fame induction and his contributions to mixed martial arts.
