Vitor Belfort left Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) because promotion president, Dana White, refused to create a “Legends League” for aging combatants, and the 42 year-old “Phenom” was tired of getting knocked around by younger, stronger fighters.
True, he was also taken behind the woodshed by Lyoto Machida, 41, and Ronaldo Souza, 39, but I think we all agree it was time for a change of scenery after the former champion ran out his UFC contract; hence, the move overseas.
But that doesn’t mean Belfort has to leave his UFC buddies behind. In fact, the Brazilian has extended a special invitation for longtime color commentator, Joe Rogan, to corner him for his very first fight under the ONE umbrella.
Because OHHHH! and HE HURT HIM! is exactly the kind of advice you need during a three-round cage fight.
“Joe Rogan, I would like to formally invite you to be my cornerman in my first ONE Championship fight,” Belfort wrote on Instagram. “I admire your dedication to the sport, and I would love to have that knowledge, and that voice, in my corner.”
He may need to leave that rusty trombone at home.
Rogan has been an outspoken supporter of ONE Championship, which may not be a household name in the United States (yet), but is widely recognized as the combat sports leader in Asia, which is home to about 4.5 billion people.
As of the writing, Rogan has yet to respond to the unexpected invitation and we don’t yet know when Belfort (26-14, 1 NC) will be fighting (or the identity of his opponent). That said, things suddenly got more interesting for all parties involved.
Stay tuned.