I was shooting the semifinals at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu National Championships on a sunny Sunday in November 1994 when Carlson Gracie Sr. approached me and said, “Keep an eye on that kid. He’s a phenom. He’ll win his weight division and the absolute.” Of course, I followed Gracie’s advice, and he was right. “Vitinho” defeated all of his opponents and captured gold medals in the heavyweight and absolute divisions for blue belt juveniles (under 18 years of age).
Because of the talent and strength Vitor Belfort showed, Gracie made an exception after nationals in 1994. Then 17, Belfort was allowed to train with his adult team, which featured some of the toughest jiu-jitsu champions around.