[autotag]Vitor Belfort[/autotag] is the latest ex-MMA star who will make the crossover to the boxing world.
Belfort, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, has agreed to an exhibition match with former longtime boxing champ and current promoter Oscar De La Hoya. MMA Junkie confirmed the news with a person with knowledge of the booking after an initial report from The Athletic.
The fight will be under the Triller banner and is expected to take place the weekend of Sept. 10-11-12 in Las Vegas as part of a full weekend of events. According to the person close to the event, Friday will be a Verzuz event, and Saturday and Sunday will be full-day music festivals. The fight is expected to take place Saturday.
Belfort, who turned 44 in April, has not fought since UFC 224 in May 2018. He announced his retirement after his loss to fellow former champ Lyoto Machida. But the following year, he signed with ONE Championship. And in April 2020, he announced his promotional debut. But that debut never came, and he’s no longer tied to the Asian promotion.
The 48-year-old De La Hoya is an Olympic gold medalist who held many titles in multiple weight classes throughout his distinguished boxing career. He last fought in December 2008 and lost to Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. Since then, his business pursuits have been at the forefront, particularly his Golden Boy Promotions combat sports company. That promotion put on the Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz fight in November 2018.
More details about the Belfort-De La Hoya fight are expected to be announced soon.