Photo by Buda Mendes/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
“Brock Lesnar, I think you’re a fraud. But I’ll give you a chance. If you really want to fight with me, let’s go bare hands, me and you,” Belfort said.
Brock Lesnar’s potential return to MMA seems to be catching the attention of everyone at the minute, as even Vitor Belfort wants a piece of the pie.
News broke earlier this week that the former UFC heavyweight champion Lesnar was unable to come to terms with the WWE when signing a new deal, meaning he is now testing the open market. Belfort spoke to Submission Radio about why he wants a bare-knuckle fight with the ‘fraud’ Lesnar.
“Brock Lesnar, I think you’re a fraud. But I’ll give you a chance,” Belfort said. “I think you’re a fraud. If you really want to fight with me, let’s go bare hands, me and you. We put the gloves, we go combat, you know? I know you’re a very tough man. I heard you’re a grappler, but I’ll fight you, man. I’ll fight you any day, any time, and I think that’s a legendary fight right there. But I think he’s a fraud in MMA.” (Transcription via MMA Fighting)
Belfort’s lack of respect for Lesnar comes from the fact he fought for a UFC title after just one fight in the promotion. Whilst feeling that the WWE star never paid his way in the fight game, Belfort understands that Lesnar’s star power brings attention no matter who he fights, which is why “The Phenom” is so keen to get his hands on him.
“We need to understand that MMA, a combat sport. Even YouTubers can fight. Even like if you’re a hockey player you can come and fight in these rules. That’s why it’s good, man, that’s what makes MMA so possible. You don’t need to have a career, you can make a career and you can become a persona and people can like you and they can buy you. Look at what Kimbo Slice did. And some make it. I take my hats off to the gangster, (Jorge) Masvidal. Because he really paid his way, man. People don’t realize, that guy paid his way. He deserves it.
“So, I respect fighters that really paid their way. They deserve to be in the spotlight. But, you know, I understand he can be in the spotlight of WWE. So, that’s what I mean. A fraud for MMA is this. He doesn’t deserve it, but he sells, man. Let’s go Brock. I’ll put my hands on you. That would be nice. I’ll make him pink.”
Belfort (26-14, 1NC) is currently under contract with ONE Championship and is expected to face Alain Ngalani in his promotional debut. Lesnar (5-3, 1 NC) last fought in MMA at UFC 200 against Mark Hunt in 2016. While Lesnar won the decision on the night, his result was flipped to a no contest after a failed drug test.