Article Rundown

• The most gifted athlete I have ever met
• Meeting Vitor Belfort
• What makes Vitor Unique
• Summary of my experience

The Most Gifted Athlete I Have Ever Met

I often receive the question, “Who is the most gifted athlete you’ve ever worked with?” While I can’t disclose everyone I’ve had the privilege of working with, I can confidently say that Vitor Belfort stands out as one of the most exceptional athletes I’ve ever encountered, both in person and as a spectator. Vitor is undeniably one of the best and most naturally gifted fighters I have ever had the pleasure of observing, and I had the unique opportunity to assess, spend time with, coach, and train him. For those unfamiliar, Vitor Belfort is one of the youngest fighters ever to compete in the UFC, hailing from a background in Brazilian boxing, combined with a foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is a true powerhouse—his punches and strikes are explosive, and his knockout ability is unparalleled.

DISCLAIMER: Some of my clients utilize NDAs, and if any of them are injured, with these clients; I do not discuss their business without their permission—this was a unique and spontaneous situation. It’s more of an opportunity than an appointment to work with Vitor, which was mutually beneficial. Vitor’s team recorded this session and had hours of footage, but unfortunately, it never made its way to YouTube. Vitor did not pay me, nor was I assessing him for back pain. I had the pleasure of this experience, and in my line of work, it’s incredible when you meet people you look up to, so I wanted to share some insight into what some of the greats are like without sharing their business.

Meeting Vitor Belfort

In 2020, while in Miami for a visit with a friend, we were discussing my personal achievement of a 1306 lb squat and planning some routine health check-ups, including blood work. It was during this time that I happened to cross paths with Vitor, thanks to a mutual friend who introduced us. Naturally, I shared my admiration for his career, telling him how I had been a fan of his since my younger years, watching him fight on television. The following day, Vitor invited me to his gym, where I had the honor of coaching him and his family through a kettlebell and core workout. I provided him with some insights into how he could enhance his core strength. Soon after, he purchased a SquatMax MD, which you can find [HERE], and integrated it into his training regimen.

Vitor is an extraordinary athlete, not only in terms of his physical abilities but also from a neurological perspective. From head to toe, his athleticism is truly remarkable. It’s not just about his physical appearance—it’s the way he thinks, moves, and reacts. His speed and explosiveness are on another level, and watching him in motion is something unique. Athletes of his caliber move differently, respond to coaching with a heightened awareness, and possess spatial intelligence that sets them apart from even the most elite competitors. In my experience, Vitor is, without a doubt, one of the most gifted athletes I have ever met, worked with, or had the privilege to coach.

What Sets Vitor Apart

One moment that stands out was when I worked with him to reinforce his lats, pecs, and core. When I placed my hands on his body to guide him into a better position, it felt as if I was touching solid iron. This wasn’t 25-year-old Vitor, but rather the 45-year-old version of him. Despite the passage of time, his ability to move and quickly absorb new techniques was nothing short of extraordinary. The way he engaged his entire core while maintaining stiffness, yet effortlessly unleashing his athleticism, is a testament to his knockout power, precise striking, and impeccable form.

This exceptional combination of core rigidity and distal power is what enabled Vitor to deliver such explosive knockouts and develop the form that became synonymous with his fighting style. It’s also what I attribute to his phenomenal athleticism, which has been a cornerstone of his remarkable career and enduring legacy. During our time together, Vitor was preparing for another fight, one that would see him face either Evander Holyfield or Roy Jones Jr.—a bout that eventually took place with Vitor facing Evander Holyfield in the ring a couple of years later. Even as he approaches 50 years of age, Vitor continues to compete at an elite level.

Conclusion 

In summary, working with Vitor Belfort was an absolute honor. He is undeniably one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching or even meeting. His natural talent, dedication, and drive make him a once-in-a-lifetime athlete, and his legacy as a fighter is cemented. Witnessing his skills and training firsthand only deepened my respect for him, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside someone of his caliber.

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