Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal’s passion for MMA was sparked by a chance encounter with Vitor Belfort, leading him to train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing, regularly attend UFC events, and even become an unlockable character in UFC Undisputed 2010.
Shaq, the basketball legend, and media giant, owes his MMA passion to Vitor Belfort. It’s a love affair that’s been going strong for years.
Shaq’s not just a fan, though. He’s been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing since 2000. He’s a regular at UFC events. Heck, he even became an unlockable character in UFC Undisputed 2010.
And it all started with a chance meeting with Belfort.
Picture this. Shaq’s in Hawaii for training camp. He’s strolling down the street when some dude grabs him. And this guy’s strong. Shaq’s thinking, “It’s about to get real.” He squares up, ready to throw down.
But then Belfort raises his hands. “No, no, no, man! I’m a fan of yours.” This was around the time of UFC 1. Belfort gives Shaq tickets to his fight. And he beats some dude wearing overalls.
Shaq’s been a fan ever since.
Now, Shaq got it wrong. Belfort didn’t fight at UFC 1. His first professional fight was a 12-second knockout of Jon Hess at SuperBrawl 2 in 1996. The UFC had only held 11 events at that time. MMA was still a baby. But Shaq was there, one of the earliest fans.
He and Belfort became friends. Shaq even tells a story about Belfort knocking someone out for him. “Dude was talking crazy and Vitor just came out of nowhere, BING BING.”
Belfort would go on to be a one-time UFC light heavyweight champion. He’s one of the most popular fighters in MMA history. Shaq, on the other hand, never did step into the cage. He stuck with basketball. And then his other business ventures. He’s currently Reebok’s President of Basketball.
So, there you have it. The story of how Shaq fell in love with MMA. All thanks to a chance encounter with Vitor Belfort.