Vitor Belfort would like to tap out Lyoto Machida in a tribute to BJJ master Carlson Gracie.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion, Vitor Belfort might be known for his knockout power and quick hands, but when he faces Lyoto Machida in Rio de Janeiro, ‘The Phenom’ will have a different gameplan in his mind for what could be the last fight of his MMA career.
As Belfort told Combate, he desires to finish Lyoto Machida with a submission in order pay an homage to his deceased BJJ master, Carlson Gracie, who passed away in February 2006. As Vitor put it, it would make sense to end his career on such a note.
“A submisson victory would be great. I miss submitting guys. I would like to give that present to Carlson Gracie. My last submission was in Rio, against Anthony Johnson.”
When asked about whether or not that would in fact be his last performance, the 40-year-old did not give a straight answer. He did guarantee however that it would take quite a meaningful proposal to make him consider coming back after dealing with Machida.
“It would have to be something that really motivates me, to make me come back. The financial part is one part of it and an interesting fight is another. It needs to have a meaning. My head is on closing this chapter, but the door will remain open. Everything has its price. It’s about ending one journed and starting another. You can never say ‘never’, that’s too strong of a word.”
Belfort is scheduled to take on Machida on May 12, at UFC 224, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The card will be headlined by a female bantamweight title fight between champion, Amanda Nunes, and challenger Raquel Pennington.