ONE’s Vitor Belfort wants a tag team match with Mike Tyson in AEW
Two combat sports legends have nce again underscored that they are “Elite”. Mixed martial arts veteran and ONE Championship athlete Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort was recently spotted with boxing icon “Iron” Mike Tyson over the weekend at an All Elite Wrestling (AEW) event. The two attended the Double Or Nothing pay-per-view last Saturday, May 23 in Jacksonville, Florida. Belfort seems compelled to crossover and step into the squared circle alongside boxing’s former heavyweight world champion.
“I think AEW should have Mike [Tyson] and myself do a tag team match against two of their champions,” said Belfort. “Tony [Khan], the owner of AEW is a good friend of mine. That for me is a great idea and I’m open to it. It will be the two youngest champions of combat sports against the two youngest champions of AEW,” Tyson himself is no stranger to partaking in pro wrestling. The 53-year-old has appeared occasionally for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), even getting inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012.
Tyson has blown up social media in the past couple of weeks when he announced a return is imminent. Despite not having competed professionally since a 2005 stoppage loss to Kevin McBride, Tyson appeared to be serious about making a comeback to the ring. Tyson has specified his intention to participate in a series of exhibition bouts for charity. Tyson has also been sent several lucrative offers from promotions like BKFC to compete in bare-knuckle boxing.
Belfort and Tyson in AEW
In regards to Tyson’s comeback, Belfort stated, “I think that (to fight again) is a decision Mike [Tyson] has made for himself. It takes a lot of courage to step back in the ring, especially at that age. I admire him for his bravery and wish him the best of luck. He needs to train smart because what used to work for him before might not work for him now. This is new ground he’s discovering for himself, and it’s a wonderful journey.”
At 43 years of age, Belfort is going through a career revival in his own right. The former UFC light-heavyweight champion signed with ONE in 2019. A fight against Alain “The Panther” Ngalani is tentatively slated for later this year. Being in a similar situation that Tyson now finds himself in, Belfort feels the right opponent will bring back Iron Mike.
“He (Tyson) needs to make smart choices,” Belfort quipped, “The right opponent is key. He needs an opponent that will bring value to the market. Not just an opponent that will try to make some money.” Possible Tyson comeback opponents include Shannon Briggs. Also, UFC legend Tito Ortiz and former heavyweight rival Evander Holyfield. If Belfort does in fact ever cross over to AEW, there’s a certain denim-clad warrior I would love to see him lock up with.
