MMA Legend Vitor Belfort Makes A Confusing Instagram Post Now Everyone Thinks He’s Retiring

It seems like the rumors of Vitor Belfort hanging up his gloves after UFC 204 were true if we’re unpacking this Instagram post by The Phenom accurately. Even then, this may be the most passive aggressive and confusing retirement in MMA history (outside of a BJ Penn retirement).

Vitor said:

I confess that I need to nurture my competitive will inside the Octagon. I must cherish that fire inside of me again.
Having recognized that to myself;
I DECIDED TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BURN THAT FLAME AGAIN!
Thanks a lot for all the support and advices. But I decided that I will end this chapter of my life looking at the mirror and recognizing myself.

Is he retiring? Or is he simply moving on from the UFC? Vitor said he wanted a “legends” division, and frankly, that division is called Bellator. Maybe the TRT-less Vitor is done fighting the young bucks after an incredible 20-year career that saw him win the UFC 12 tournament (!!!) and capture light heavyweight gold. Maybe he’s sick of his UFC contract which forces him to wear Reebok, and has, according to Belfort, “cost him millions” in sponsorship money.

If this is the end, he leaves behind a historic if not controversial legacy marred by failed drug tests and the frowned upon Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Still, Belfort’s accomplishments can’t be denied — he was a trailblazer in NHB fighting and knocked out the likes of Scott Ferozzo and Tank Abbott as he blasted his way through the rise and fall of Pride and ushered in the mainstream acceptance of MMA.

Now let’s watch Vitor’s greatest slugs:

AND IT TURNS OUT HE DIDN’T RETIRE!