Looking back at Vitor Belfort’s physical transformation before and after USADA in the UFC

Throughout his MMA career, Vitor Belfort has often divided fans. On the one hand, he is clearly an established martial artist and UFC champion. On the other hand, others are very critical of his supposed use of steroids. Back in 2011, he supposedly started using TRT, an anabolic steroid– and would later admit to it. However, in 2014, USADA made it a banned substance. Coincidentally, after this period Belfort’s body looked drastically different.

In fact, some people are very heated when it comes to Belfort’s TRT antics, including ex-fighter Michael Bisping. When asked about Belfort’s visibly different body, he said “He looks cross between a powerlifting champion and incredible hulk. When he fought Weidman he looked like an out of shape middle-aged man, a dad that went to the gym once a week. There are certainly two different people. I have no respect for that guy whatsoever.”

As seen, Bisping’s comments aren’t too out of place either. Clearly, Belfort’s body looks very different. The original image of Belfort shows more muscle definition, lean mass, vascular arms, and a bigger frame. On the right, he has clearly lost definition, veins, and generally looks less athletic. Obviously, time does change bodies. However, this took place over a couple of years which is why Belfort’s legacy has always been questioned. Despite being a legend, he has always had a shadow follow him due to PED allegations.

If the original USADA ban of TRT in 2014 is true, then this would also mark a noticeable drop in Belfort’s performances. From 2015 onwards, he would retire after leaving MMA with a record of 2-4 which was hardly the record of a legend. Of course, fighters do tend to retire after losing streaks but still, it speaks volumes.