Friend, are you ready for the legendary boxing showdown between Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort? This Saturday, September 11th, these two icons of combat sports will finally meet in the ring.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide everything you need to know about the highly anticipated Holyfield vs Belfort main event. You’ll find details on how to watch online, fighter profiles, tale of the tape, betting lines, expert predictions, and analysis of the matchup.
Whether you’re a diehard boxing fan or just a casual viewer, you’ll find this overview helpful to get primed for the fight. Let’s start with how to watch the Holyfield vs Belfort PPV stream live online.
How to Watch Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort Online
The main card featuring Holyfield vs Belfort is slated to start at approximately 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Saturday, September 11th. The undercard fights will kick off at 7 PM EST/4 PM PST.
The fight will be broadcast as a pay-per-view event through FITE TV and Triller at a price of $49.99.
Here are some ways you can order and watch the PPV stream live:
-
Through cable/satellite providers – Most major platforms like DISH, DIRECTV, Optimum, Xfinity, and others are carrying the PPV. Check your provider’s website or on-screen guide to order.
-
Stream online via FITE TV – FITE has the PPV listed for $49.99 to order directly on their site fite.tv or through their mobile apps. Once purchased, you can stream live on any device.
-
Order through Triller app – The Triller app has the fight PPV available for $49.99 as well. Download their app and look for the Holyfield vs Belfort purchase option.
-
Use a VPN – If you’re outside of the US or your country doesn’t have PPV access, connect to a US-based VPN server to order and watch the fight. Top VPN choices include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, IPVanish, and Surfshark.
I’ve included more details below on how to setup a VPN on your Firestick, Roku, Apple TV, or other streaming device to unblock access.
Now that you know how to watch, let’s examine the backgrounds and stats for both fighters.
Tale of the Tape and Fighter Profiles
Before we dive into the predictions, here is a tale of the tape comparing Holyfield and Belfort:
Evander Holyfield
- Age: 59 years old
- Height: 6’2.5”
- Reach: 78 inches
- Record: 44-10-2 (29 KOs)
- Last Fight: May 2011 (win by TKO)
Vitor Belfort
- Age: 44 years old
- Height: 6’0”
- Reach: 74 inches
- Record: 26-14 (18 KOs)
- Last Fight: May 2018 (win by KO)
It‘s clear both fighters are well past their prime years. While age and ring rust are concerns, they appeared to be in excellent physical condition at weigh-ins.
Now let’s look closer at each fighter‘s profile and background:
Evander Holyfield
Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield is considered one of the top heavyweight boxers in history. He’s the only 4-time World Heavyweight Champion and the lone boxer to earn the undisputed title in two weight classes.
Some of Holyfield’s biggest career wins came against fellow legends like Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Riddick Bowe, Michael Moorer, and Larry Holmes. His epic trilogy with Bowe and two fights versus Tyson were among the most watched boxing events of the 1990s.
Holyfield last fought professionally in 2011 at age 48, scoring a TKO victory against Brian Nielsen. For this bout with Vitor Belfort, Holyfield is returning to competition again at 59 years old.
While he’s clearly past his best days, Holyfield claims he is still in phenomenal shape. We’ll see if the Real Deal has enough left to defeat a former UFC champion.
Vitor Belfort
Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort is a true MMA pioneer who competed for over 20 years within the UFC, Pride FC, and other top promotions. He captured the UFC Light Heavyweight belt and challenged for the middleweight strap several times.
Belfort was known for his blinding hand speed and explosive knockout power, as evidenced by his 18 KO wins. He recorded some of the most spectacular knockouts in MMA history against legends like Wanderlei Silva, Michael Bisping, and Rich Franklin.
Like Holyfield, Belfort came out of retirement for this boxing match. His last MMA fight was in 2018 and he’ll now try to upset Holyfield in his second professional boxing bout.
Although Belfort is far more experienced in MMA, this boxing match against the larger Holyfield will be a stiff challenge. He’ll need to rely on his quickness and pinpoint striking to win.
Next up, let’s examine the latest odds and predictions for this fight.
Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort Odds and Predictions
Despite being 15 years older than Vitor Belfort, Evander Holyfield opened as the betting favorite for this bout. The odds have moved around slightly, but Holyfield remains the solid favorite as of Thursday.
Latest Holyfield vs Belfort Odds:
- Evander Holyfield: -160
- Vitor Belfort: +140
This means you’d need to wager $160 on Holyfield to earn a $100 profit. Meanwhile, a $100 bet on Belfort would net you $140 if he pulls the upset.
The oddsmakers respect Holyfield’s outstanding boxing resume compared to Belfort, who has just one previous pro boxing match. But there are some concerning factors for backing Holyfield:
- Age (59) – Being close to 60 with limited activity is worrying
- Inactivity – Over 10 years removed from his last fight
- Stamina – Cardio and durability may fade given long layoff
Here are some advantages in Vitor Belfort’s favor:
- Faster hands – Clear edge in hand speed and punching volume
- Less rust – Last fought in 2018 so should have less ring rust
- KO power – 19 career knockouts in MMA matchups
I expect the odds to tighten leading up to fight night. Once bettors see the size disparity and Holyfield’s age in person, they may back Belfort.
In terms of expert predictions, most analysts are leaning towards Evander Holyfield via decision or late stoppage. But they caution that his age and inactivity make this fight very hard to predict.
Many experts warn that Belfort’s hand speed and power give him a genuine shot to land a fight-changing punch. At nearly 60 years old, one big shot could quickly derail Holyfield.
Next up, I’ll break down my own prediction and round-by-round analysis.
Holyfield vs Belfort Prediction and Fight Analysis
This bout is incredibly hard to forecast given the advanced age and long layoffs for both fighters. As the far more credentialed boxer, logic states Evander Holyfield should control the action. But at nearly 60, anything could happen.
Here is my detailed prediction and analysis for Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort:
Early Rounds:
I expect Holyfield to work behind his jab and utilize his reach advantage in the opening rounds. He will need to avoid getting cornered or caught on the ropes.
Belfort will certainly be the faster fighter with quicker hands. He will look to close the distance and rip shots to Holyfield’s body and arms to sap his energy.
While Belfort should land some flashy combinations and body blows, Holyfield’s experience will allow him to minimize damage through good defense and clinching.
I favor Holyfield to edge the early rounds by landing cleaner head shots compared to Belfort’s activity to the body and arms.
Middle Rounds:
This is where things get very interesting. If Belfort’s speed and conditioning hold up, he could begin to take over by overwhelming Holyfield with volume punching.
But I still believe Holyfield can use his savvy and skills to neutralize the quicker Belfort and continue edging rounds with well-timed counters.
Belfort may begin to show signs of fatigue here allowing Holyfield to gain confidence knowing his opponent is wearing down faster than he is.
Late Rounds:
Conditioning and pace become massive factors in the championship rounds. If Holyfield slows down as expected, this will open the door for a Belfort KO.
However, I foresee Holyfield using every veteran trick in the book to survive the onslaught of a fading Belfort. Clinching, grabbing, and holding will allow Holyfield to make it to the final bell.
Final Prediction:
While Vitor Belfort will have his moments and win some early rounds based on activity, I believe Evander Holyfield’s boxing pedigree and craftiness will allow him to capture a close decision.
It may not be pretty, but Holyfield should be able to play defense and land precise counters to edge the majority of rounds. The judges will favor his cleaner punching and fame over Belfort‘s busier but less effective offense.
Evander Holyfield by Unanimous Decision
However, given Holyfield‘s advanced age, there is a genuine chance he finally shows his age and gets caught by a fight-altering punch from Belfort.
At nearly 60 years old, one big shot could change the trajectory of this fight instantly. I wouldn’t be shocked if Belfort scores a spectacular knockout.
This exhibition between legends is must-see entertainment since anything can happen when two athletic marvels in their 50s clash in the ring.
Next up, let’s preview the exciting undercard for this event featuring several MMA vs boxing bouts.
Holyfield vs Belfort Undercard Preview and Predictions
Before the iconic main event, the undercard for Holyfield vs Belfort contains several intriguing MMA vs boxing matchups:
Full Fight Card:
- Evander Holyfield vs. Vitor Belfort (boxing)
- Anderson Silva vs. Tito Ortiz (boxing)
- Andy Vences vs. Jono Carroll (boxing)
- David Haye vs. Joe Fournier (boxing)
The co-main event pits former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva against ex-UFC light heavyweight titleholder Tito Ortiz in an 8-round boxing match.
Silva compiled an incredible 33-11 MMA record and held the UFC 185-pound belt for over 7 years. Ortiz went 19-12-1 in the UFC and was one of the promotion‘s biggest stars in the 2000s.
While both are UFC icons, Silva is considered the far superior striker. I predict Anderson Silva wins a convincing decision by outclassing Ortiz in the boxing realm.
Another exciting undercard fight sees rising prospect Andy Vences take on Irish contender Jono Carroll in a 10-round super featherweight matchup.
Vences has built a 23-2-1 pro record with 12 KOs and has challenged for a world title previously. Carroll enters 19-2-1 in his career with 4 KOs. Both losses came in world title bouts.
This has the makings of a highly entertaining scrap that could steal the show. I slightly favor Vences to win a very competitive decision. But Carroll certainly has the skills to pull off the mild upset.
Kicking off the PPV is popular social media boxer David Haye against entrepreneur Joe Fournier in an 8-round heavyweight attraction.
Haye is a former world champion with an impressive 28-4 pro boxing record including 26 KOs. Fournier is 9-0 but has never fought experienced competition.
Haye should have an easy time dealing with Fournier in quick fashion. I foresee Haye scoring a mid-round TKO victory.
Undercard Winners Prediction:
- Anderson Silva
- Andy Vences
- David Haye by TKO
The undercard provides a perfect appetizer before the legendary main course. Silva vs. Ortiz and Vences vs. Carroll will be highly competitive matchups between legitimate fighters.
Let‘s Recap the Details for Holyfield vs Belfort
Let‘s quickly recap the key details for this historic boxing event:
Date: Saturday, September 11th, 2021
Location: Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida
Main Card Time: 9 PM EST / 6 PM PST
TV Broadcast: Pay-per-view on FITE TV & Triller (Price: $49.99)
Main Event: Evander Holyfield vs. Vitor Belfort (scheduled for 8 rounds)
Co-Main: Anderson Silva vs. Tito Ortiz
Undercard: Starts at 7 PM EST / 4 PM PST
Well my friend, I hope this detailed preview gets you primed and ready for the Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort showdown. It’s rare to see two absolute legends in their 50s compete in an officially sanctioned fight.
Order the PPV early so you’re ready for a night of nostalgia, spectacle, and world-class entertainment. Gather some fellow fight fans to enhance the experience.
I wish you the best of luck if you decide to wager on the bouts. And please come back to read my recap and analysis after the final bell sounds. Enjoy the fights!
