Vitor Belfort Blasts UFC Over Nonpayment: 'Where's The Respect?'
Vitor Belfort Blasts UFC Over Nonpayment: 'Where's The Respect?'
MMA legend Vitor Belfort lashed out at the UFC for not paying his show money despite making weight at UFC Fight Night 124.
Vitor Belfort isn't a happy camper. Not remotely or in the slightest. In fact, "The Phenom" is downright pissed off and he's letting those feelings be known.
The MMA legend was initially slated to face Uriah Hall in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night 124 this past Sunday in St. Louis, but issues arose during his opponent's weight cut that forced "The Ultimate Fighter" alum out of the fight. While Belfort was undoubtedly disappointed, that concern gave way to full-blown anger once the Brazilian learned he would not be receiving any payment for the fight.
Fighters falling out of bouts at the 11th hour due to weight cutting issues is fairly commonplace in mixed martial arts, and when this has happened in the past the fighter who didn't pull out of the fight is typically paid the show portion of his fight purse. Yet, in Belfort's case, no show money was paid in St. Louis.
Belfort took to his Instagram (h/t Combate) to write a lengthy post in which he vented his frustrations and anger toward the UFC.
"Now a message to @ufc. I'm waiting for my pgto @ufc after all, I did what had to be done (I trained, I was present in the week of the fight, I hit my weight ....) Where is the respect!" Belfort wrote.
When questioned about the failure to pay Belfort his show money, UFC President Dana White said it was due to the former title challenger turning down a pair of fights that were offered to him. White wasn't sure of specific details but said Belfort was offered a replacement opponent for St. Louis, or a chance to fight at UFC 220 this coming weekend in Boston.
According to White, Belfort turned down both offers and the UFC front man believes those decisions justify nonpayment.
What say you, fight fans?
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