Vitor Belfort: UFC-Reebok Deal Is Like Slavery

The UFC’s lucrative sponsorship deal with Reebok has received mixed reviews to say the least ever since it was implemented last summer.

Fighters have criticized the deal themselves, but perhaps none have offered up a harsher criticism than controversial Brazilian legend Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort.

Recently speaking on the topic, Belfort went as far as to compare the Reebok deal to ‘slavery’:

“MMA is a lot closer to entertainment than sport these days. I’m not satisfied with the way the company is handling sponsorship. We are pretty much living in slavery. We can’t use our own sponsors, they are banned inside the Octagon. We have no properties.” Belfort told Sportv (Via Bloody Elbow).

Talking further on the hot debate of fighter pay, “The Phenom” admitted that the system needs some serious revamping in his opinion. According to Belfort, combat sports athletes should be compensated better, and retirement plans should be a reality within the sport.

The Brazilian hopes to see changes such as these in the future:

“The good thing about breaking records is when you’re not worried about it. When you are, it becomes frustrating. My happiness comes from within. Breaking records is what I do best. I hope I can leave a legacy which fighters can use to raise awareness about a minimum wage pay. It’s a contact sport. I don’t think it’s fair for someone to earn 500 dollars to be elbowed in the face. There has to be a retirement plan, which does not exist now. That’s something for the next generation. They need to save their money and invest. They need to know the athlete life will end.”

Belfort may be 38 years of age, but he’s not done just yet. In fact, he’s set to face off with top contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza in the co-main event of next weekend’s (May 14, 2016) UFC 198 from Brazil.

“The Phenom” aims to continue helping the sport as he continues to compete:

“All my next fights could be my last. So you should make your dream as if it was your last, too. I’m very happy with my career and everything I conquered. I do this because I love it, today. I’m still a voice to be heard. I can still help the sport.”