Former two-division UFC champion Vitor Belfort has expressed interest in stepping into the boxing ring with Jake Paul, citing both business appeal and the desire to cement his legacy. Belfort has experience in both MMA and boxing, and is looking to face the YouTube celebrity.
UFC Champion Vitor Belfort
Brazil’s Belfort, who was just inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, boasts a storied MMA career spanning more than two decades. He burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old phenom, winning the UFC 12 heavyweight tournament in 1997 and later capturing the UFC light heavyweight title. Known for his explosive striking and finishing ability, Belfort holds the record for most first-round finishes in UFC history, with 13, and has notable victories over legends such as Wanderlei Silva, Randy Couture, Michael Bisping, and Dan Henderson.
After retiring from MMA in 2018, Belfort briefly returned for exhibition boxing matches, winning both of his professional boxing bouts, including a high-profile victory over Evander Holyfield in 2021.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, former two-division UFC champion Vitor Belfort explained:
“Who would I like to fight? You know, I think fighting’s gotta be someone that makes sense. Someone that we have history with, like Anderson Silva, Wanderlei Silva, or Jake Paul, this young generation. Maybe Tyson Fury’s brother. I really admire that kid. I really admire what Jake Paul is doing. A fight that will make sense, business-wise, you know, this young generation. Because if it doesn’t make sense, I’m not there. I’m not doing this just for the money. The money is just part of it. I’m looking for legacy.”
Jake Paul
Jake Paul, meanwhile, has rapidly become one of the most talked-about figures in boxing. The 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer holds an 11-1 professional record, with seven knockouts. Paul began his career fighting fellow social media personalities and retired athletes, but has since faced a mix of MMA veterans and professional boxers. His only defeat came at the hands of Tommy Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in a split decision in 2023. Jake Paul rebounded with wins over Nate Diaz and several other opponents, and is set to face former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28.
Talks are also underway for Jake Paul to potentially challenge reigning WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack, which could put him in line for a world title shot if successful.
Belfort has previously called out Paul, particularly after his win over Holyfield, positioning himself as a stern test for the younger fighter. “Jake Paul is the No. 1 target. He’s got to meet his daddy. It’s time for him to understand you’re not judged by how many fights you have, it’s who you fight. Now he wants a real fighter? He’s got it. We got the money,” Belfort said in 2021.
Belfort has continued to voice admiration for Jake Paul’s impact on the sport, but remains adamant that a bout between them would be about more than just money, it would be about legacy. As Jake Paul continues to climb the boxing ranks and Vitor Belfort seeks meaningful challenges in his post-MMA career, a potential matchup between the two would blend generational star power with combat sports pedigree.
