Belfort intends to 'keep competing' after UFC 212, but elsewhere
Vitor Belfort isn't calling it a career just yet.
After his wish to face a non-Brazilian in his native Rio de Janeiro for his last hurrah was granted, "The Phenom" recently told Brazil's Veja Rio that while the June date opposite Nate Marquardt would be the last of his UFC contract, it may not be the last of his career.
"(I will) leave the UFC, but I'll continue competing," Belfort said, according to Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting. "Fight is my passion. Too bad that MMA hasn't become a serious sport yet. Maybe I'll help change this scenario."
Belfort remained mum on whether he'd laid any plans for life after the Octagon, but he has posited the idea of a "legends league" in the past, one where those as long in the tooth as he could continue to nurture their competitive fire and clash under modified rules designed to accommodate their age and mileage.
As tight-lipped as he's been on his future, the 40-year-old did take a moment to condemn the direction in which the promotion he joined as a quick-handed 19-year-old was headed.
"Today, a fighter is more artist than athlete. The UFC is a show, not a sport. It's sad to see new fighters wanting to drive the card of the moment or be in the spotlight like Conor McGregor. Their reference is to have, not to be."
Belfort meets Marquardt at Rio's Jeunesse Arena on June 3 at UFC 212.