Belfort is the former Brazilian MMA star who held the UFC 205-pound championship whilst producing highlight-reel finishes throughout 20 years in the organisation. Alongside his reputation as a finisher, that saw 18 out of 26 wins come via stoppage, he is also undefeated as a professional boxer. He returned to the ring in September 2021 when he stopped Evander Holyfield in the first round of their exhibition fight. Having fought at both UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight, Belfort has beaten some of MMA’s greatest athletes including Randy Couture, Michael Bisping, Wanderlei Silva, Dan Henderson and Luke Rockhold.
Rahman [Jr.] said: “I’m really looking forward to fighting Mr. Belfort on Oct 15th. I’m extremely grateful to Misfits Boxing for giving me the opportunity and I look to make the most of it. I’m 100% focused on making a lasting impression on all the fans in England and those watching at home."
Belfort said: “I’m excited to showcase my skills on October 15 in Sheffield, live on DAZN! I have been waiting for a fight for a while, and now is my time. I’m always in the gym staying ready. Rahman is a perfect opponent for me, so expect fireworks in the return of the Phenom.”
“It is great to be able to announce the third show in our MF & DAZN: X Series, and our first in the U.S.,” said Joseph Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. “We are super excited about these shows; their reach and their potential to excite and entice a growing new generation of fight fans. Stay tuned for more shows and more big names to be announced soon”.
President of Misfits Boxing and CEO of Proper Loud, Mams Taylor said: “We’re always looking at providing our fans with huge events, and that includes those all over the world. I’m so excited for a huge night in Texas, even more so with a headline between two dangerous men in Belfort and Hasim Rahman. Misfits Boxing keeps moving forward; London, Sheffield and now Austin confirmed. We’re just getting started.”
“America needs no introduction when it comes to its stature for putting on the biggest and best events in sports and entertainment as well as the passion of the fans,” said Kalle Sauerland, Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman Boxing. “It’s exactly why we’re heading out there, to give the world the best crossover boxing events available. This time, the headline is a frightening one, between two men who are coming with dangerous reputations. We have a former UFC champion going up against a man who has boxing running through his veins. Belfort vs. Rahman Jr is confirmed, and Texas better be ready for a fiery encounter.”