They call him “The Phenom,” a mesmerizing package of power, speed and technique who made the spectacular commonplace. Never has a nickname felt more appropriate.
Vitor Belfort has been part of the mixed martial arts landscape for more than 20 years, his stay marked by exhilarating highs, embarrassing lows and polarizing controversies. The Carlson Gracie protégé captured titles in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Cage Rage, tested himself against all-time greats, became a posterchild for testosterone replacement therapy and overcame unimaginable personal tragedy to succeed in the most unforgiving of sports. Now nearing the age of 40, Belfort will return to the cage opposite Kelvin Gastelum in the UFC Fight Night 106 main event on Saturday in Fortaleza, Brazil.