UFC 224: Watch Lyoto Machida KO Vitor Belfort with sickening kick
VITOR BELFORT’s swan song didn’t end the way he would’ve wanted it to.
Lyoto Machida KO's Vitor Belfort with a vicious kick
Belfort made his final walk to the Octagon in the early hours of the morning at UFC 224, which took place in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Standing across from Belfort in his farewell bout was his fellow countryman and former UFC light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida.
Belfort, 41, was hoping to register one last highlight-reel KO before bringing down the curtain on his storied career.
However, he ended up being on the receiving end of one a minute into the second round.
After luring Belfort in with a fake lead front kick, Machida uncorked a powerful teep straight on ‘The Phenom’s’ chin.
The kick immediately rendered Belfort unconscious and Machida refrained from raining down any further blows on his downed opponent.
Moments after being stopped, Belfort seemingly hung up his gloves, leaving them in the Octagon after giving an emotional speech.
Lyoto Machida turns back the clock on Vitor Belfort! What a front kick! #UFC224 pic.twitter.com/ISzh0nOLfM
— Kyle Johnson (@Maldobabo) May 13, 2018
“He surprised me pretty well," Belfort said in his post-fight interview. "I want to thank my team, Tristar. I want to thank my family, I’m okay.
“The fans, it’s been a long ride. Life is about beginning, middle and end. And I think I’ve come to the end. So congratulations to Machida. I’m leaving my gloves here."
He added: “I want to thank you, all my family. I’m okay. Lyoto had a great night… the Machida team.
Vitor Belfort is tended to as Lyoto Machida takes in his emphatic victory
“I want to thank to thank the Tristar (team). I miss my family. I think everything in life has a beginning middle and end.
"And I think it’s time for me to take care of my family and my endeavours.
“I’m sending my love to my wife and my kids.”