UFC 224: Vitor Belfort retires after suffering devastating KO loss to Lyoto Machida
VITOR BELFORT has seemingly hung up his gloves.
In the early hours of the morning, Belfort met his fellow countryman Lyoto Machida in the first fight of UFC 224’s main card.
Belfort went into his clash with Machida in Rio de Janeiro optimistic that he could knock off one more big-name fighter.
However, the future UFC Hall of Famer found himself on the receiving end of one of the contenders for knockout of the year after being lured in with a fake lead front kick and being caught with powerful rear teep, which sent him hurtling towards the canvas.
Related articles
In the build-up to his clash with his fellow future Hall of Famer, Belfort repeatedly hinted that retirement was right around the corner.
And in his post-fight interview, the 41-year-old suggested his days as a mixed martial artist are over by leaving his gloves inside the Octagon and walking away from them.
“He surprised me pretty well," Belfort said in his post-fight interview. "I want to thank my team, Tristar. I want to thank my family, I’m okay.
“The fans, it’s been a long ride. Life is about beginning, middle and end.
"And I think I’ve come to the end. So congratulations to Machida. I’m leaving my gloves here."
He added: “I want to thank you, all my family. I’m okay. Lyoto had a great night… the Machida team.
“I want to thank to thank the Tristar (team). I miss my family. I think everything in life has a beginning middle and end.
"And I think it’s time for me to take care of my family and my endeavours.
“I’m sending my love to my wife and my kids.”
