Ben Carson picked up a new endorsement today as he continues his run for the Republican party’s presidential nomination: UFC middleweight and ex-champ Vitor Belfort.
Apparently the two men and various members of their respective teams met Tuesday for light sparring and political discourse. The news was first announced from Carson’s personal Twitter account:
A little pre-debate prep with former #UFC Light Heavyweight Champ @vitorbelfort and team. Great sparring partner! pic.twitter.com/IZJSAC1M3M
— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) October 27, 2015
Soon enough, the news spread far and wide, with heavyweight outlets like ABC News disseminating the endorsement:
.@RealBenCarson receives an endorsement from former UFC fighter @vitorbelfort pic.twitter.com/N3wAcposBF
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) October 27, 2015
It all happened during Carson’s recent visit to OTB Fight Gym in Coconut Creek, Florida, where Belfort trains. According to a report from Anthony Man of the Sun-Sentinel, Belfort took the opportunity to throw his weight behind Carson’s candidacy.
“[I’m] delighted because [Belfort] has the mind of a champion,” Carson said of the endorsement.
Carson spokesman Doug Watts told Man that the visit was scheduled so Carson and Belfort could “exchange views on life and overcoming life’s challenges. They shared prayers and tips on a positive outlook on life.”
It was not immediately clear what those tips may have consisted of.
Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, recently surged ahead of Donald Trump in national polls of Republican presidential hopefuls. Carson has drawn attention for, among other things, his comments on gun control.
Belfort, 38, faces 45-year-old Dan Henderson on November 7. An outspoken Christian, Belfort drew attention of his own Monday for canceling an interview at the last minute in order to avoid questions about his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Belfort held the UFC light heavyweight title from January to August 2004.
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