MMA Talk.

[LethalStriker]

On the same day the Nevada State Athletic Commission announced a major change in its policy on testosterone-replacement therapy, there has been a major change at the top of the next major card the state will host.

Vitor Belfort (24-10 MMA, 13-6 UFC) is out of his middleweight title shot against champion Chris Weidman (11-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) at UFC 173 in May, and in his place will step fellow Brazilian and former champion Lyoto Machida (21-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC). “FOX Sports Live” broke the news late Thursday that Belfort voluntarily took himself out of the fight in the wake of the NSAC’s change in stance on TRT use.

“The Nevada State Athletic Commission recently altered its policy and no longer will permit testosterone use exemptions, and will not permit a TRT program,” Belfort said in a statement. “As other jurisdictions may follow suit, I am going to drop my TRT program and compete in MMA without it.

“Given the time constraints involved between now and my proposed next bout in May, I have determined not to apply for a license to fight in Nevada at this time.”

UFC 173 takes place May 24 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The main card will air on pay-per-view following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Belfort earned his shot at Weidman on the strength of three straight “Knockout of the Night” bonus wins, all stemming from head kicks. In January 2013, he stopped Michael Bisping. This past May, he dropped Luke Rockhold in the first round. And in November, he shut down Dan Henderson just 67 seconds into the first.

All three of those fights came in Brazil, which led to speculation that the UFC was ensuring Belfort could fight because of his status as arguably the promotion’s most criticized user of testosterone-replacement therapy. Fighting in Brazil, critics said, was an easier proposition from a testing standpoint than fighting in the United States. But with the UFC booking him to fight Weidman in Las Vegas, that speculation would have been laid to rest.

First, Belfort would have had to apply for a license to fight in Nevada – where he hasn’t fought in more than three years, and not since his sanctioned use of TRT began. In 2006, Belfort failed a drug test in Nevada for elevated testosterone, which was thought to have made his application for a TUE for TRT for this May’s fight with Weidman a contentious issue. Belfort would have gone before the NSAC to apply for a license, and presumably a TUE for TRT, later this spring.

But on Thursday, it became moot when the NSAC decided to fully ban TRT use from here on out. The NSAC had granted TUEs to several fighters before this – but none of them had failed drug tests for elevated testosterone in the past.

Machida, a former light heavyweight champ, now gets a title shot in what will be just his third fight at 185 pounds. In his debut in the division this past October, he knocked out Mark Munoz. And earlier this month, he took a decision from Gegard Mousasi in Brazil, giving him four wins in his past five fights.

Prior to his fight with Mousasi, UFC President Dana White said a win could make Machida the next top contender at middleweight, presumably then waiting to fight the winner of Weidman-Belfort. After his win, the UFC boss wouldn’t give an outright guarantee that Machida would be next in line, especially given the potential that he had broken his foot in the fight. But things certainly looked good for him, and on Thursday, it came to a head.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity to fight UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman,” Machida said in a statement. “I’m going to train hard and be well prepared for this fight.”

Machida won the 205-pound title in 2009 when he knocked out Rashad Evans. He defended the belt just once against Mauricio Rua before losing it at UFC 113 in a rematch with “Shogun.” It was up and down for him at that point, as he dropped three of four starting with the Rua loss – including a title shot against Jon Jones at UFC 140. But since then, he has won four of five with just a controversial loss to Phil Davis separating him from a 5-0 run.

Weidman has been highly critical of Belfort and his TRT use, but now that won’t matter. The unbeaten New Yorker this past July knocked out longtime middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva to win the title. Then in December, he defended it when Silva broke his leg when Weidman checked a kick – one of the most gruesome injuries in MMA history.

“Machida is a dangerous fighter and he knows what it takes to become champion,” Weidman said in a statement. “He’s been on my radar since he dropped to 185, so I’m looking forward to defending my title against him in May.”

For the latest on UFC 173, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Vitor Belfort)

[TheVileOne]

Kiss that belt goodbye Weidman.

[The Natural]

 

Well, this is huge - TRT has been banned in Nevada, effective immediately.

 

This is the best news for MMA in a LONG time. Hopefully other commissions will now follow Nevada's lead.

 

 

 

Brett Okamoto‏@bokamotoESPN 3 mins

Dana White on effect of today's news on UFC self regulation: we follow Nevada

 

 

 

 

Ariel Helwani ‏@arielhelwani 6m

UFC just issued the release. They confirmed they too will ban it overseas and encourage other commissions to do same: t.co/UT2f5g50vs

 

 

Hugeeee news. 'Bout fecking time!

 

Damon Martin ‏@DamonMartin 13s

Vitor Belfort out - Lyoto Machida steps in to face Chris Weidman at UFC 173 -->t.co/ZjeHNBNEXA #UFC #UFC173

 

Also big news. Didn't expect to come online and read all this.

[smitlick]

I think it's pretty smart from Vitor to pull out especially if there was a risk he'd fail.

So does Machida win because I think he does

[The Natural]

Lyoto Machida tries to become only the third fighter to win UFC Championships in two different weight classes, Randy Couture was the first (Heavyweight then Light Heavyweight) and BJ Penn was the second (Welterweight then Lightweight).

[Hollywood Cibernetico]

Last night I joked with my friend that Vitor will probably bow out of his fight with Chris since he won't have his Super Juice...wow! Does Vitor really lack THAT much confidence in his skill? This man has been screaming about a title fight in the MW division since Silva kicked his face in. Chris and Machida should be really good. Im looking forward to it.

[glfpunk]

Last night I joked with my friend that Vitor will probably bow out of his fight with Chris since he won't have his Super Juice...wow! Does Vitor really lack THAT much confidence in his skill? This man has been screaming about a title fight in the MW division since Silva kicked his face in. Chris and Machida should be really good. Im looking forward to it.

 

Having a lack of confidence in his skill doesn't have anything to do with it.  If you use TRT it's not something you just quit doing all of a sudden, which he would have to do if he were to fight in May.  Stepping out of the fight with the intentions of properly coming off of it is actually something that's pretty smart. 

 

On the fight, I think Machida is a worse matchup for Weidman.  I liked Weidman's chances against Belfort but Machida has shown throughout his entire career how difficult it is to actually grab a hold of him and get him to the ground.  I don't think Weidman has the speed to do that or the striking skills to out point him standing.  I fully expect this fight to go the full five rounds. 

[hammerva]

So basically Belfort and I guess Chael Sonnen is stuck in Brazil UFC purgatory and even that probably won't help them in the UFC. 

 

Vitor response was just hiliarious.  he pretty much admitted that he used the stuff that is now illegal but he will get off the TRT now so don't worry everyone. Yeah I haven't seen anyone who admited to using PED or any form of steroids, quit cold turkey, and either actually did quit or was half the ability before it.

[Craig H]

Belfort and Sonnen aren't even stuck with Brazil as the only places to fight. UFC observes the ban everywhere. They're basically screwed.

 

The only guy that I think isn't getting a fair shake out of this is Bigfoot Silva. Dude is messed up from a tumor on his pituitary gland. My understanding was that he needed the TRT to live a functionally normal life as a male.

[Joe Lucia]

I'll give Sonnen credit for going on Fox last night and essentially biting the bullet and saying he'd have to live without it.

[The Natural]

Belfort and Sonnen aren't even stuck with Brazil as the only places to fight. UFC observes the ban everywhere. They're basically screwed.

 

The only guy that I think isn't getting a fair shake out of this is Bigfoot Silva. Dude is messed up from a tumor on his pituitary gland. My understanding was that he needed the TRT to live a functionally normal life as a male.

 

Add Hendo, Mir and Overeem to those names as well.

[Ace]

Overeem actually did try to fight Bigfoot without it.

[epwar]

Anybody remember this Dana "we're not hiding Vitor in Brazi" classic?
 

"They say [Vitor] can't fight here because of the TRT thing and that is complete bullshit. 

Vitor Belfort

 can fight here, he can fight in Vegas, he can fight in any of these places. Whether they give him TRT or they don't. It's not a given that he has to give up the treatment in Vegas. The guy has been busted before. He's had some issues and he's going to have to go before the athletic commission and they would decide what they are going to do."

"That doesn't mean that he can't fight in Vegas or that 

Vitor Belfort

 is banned from Vegas and something crazy is going to happen. Or that we're hiding him in Brazil because he's on TRT. That is stupid, stupid Internet shit. 

Vitor Belfort

 is a big draw in Brazil so he fights in Brazil. Same thing with Aldo and a lot of these other Brazilian champions. If any of you have ever been to Brazil, Brazilians want to see Brazilians kick other people's asses, not other Brazilian's asses."

[epwar]

Statement from Vitor just now:

 

"I never gave up fighting in UFC 173 and never mentioned it. Therefore, all information posted in any mass media advertising that is not true. What I announced was that I will be resigning "TRT" and not "giving up the fight" to continue my dream of fighting. The UFC decided to put another opponent in my place because I didn't have time to fit the new rules of the NSAC. According to the UFC, I will face the winner of Weidman vs Lyotto within the new regulations of all the Athletic Commissions. I'm sorry that this happened, and I appreciate the strength and understanding of all fans, sponsors, UFC and athletic commissions."

[Elsalvajeloco]

So basically Belfort and I guess Chael Sonnen is stuck in Brazil UFC purgatory and even that probably won't help them in the UFC.

 

 

Belfort and Sonnen aren't even stuck with Brazil as the only places to fight. UFC observes the ban everywhere. They're basically screwed.

 

Technically, it only applies to where the UFC self-regulates. CABMMA just happens to agree with the ruling. However, Dan Henderson will get his exemption. Chael Sonnen and everyone else after this Hendo fight on 3/23 won't get one. A fighter could still get a TUE in Texas or New Jersey for example unless they make the same ruling.

[glfpunk]

 

Anybody remember this Dana "we're not hiding Vitor in Brazi" classic?

 

"They say [Vitor] can't fight here because of the TRT thing and that is complete bullshit. 

Vitor Belfort

 can fight here, he can fight in Vegas, he can fight in any of these places. Whether they give him TRT or they don't. It's not a given that he has to give up the treatment in Vegas. The guy has been busted before. He's had some issues and he's going to have to go before the athletic commission and they would decide what they are going to do."

"That doesn't mean that he can't fight in Vegas or that 

Vitor Belfort

 is banned from Vegas and something crazy is going to happen. Or that we're hiding him in Brazil because he's on TRT. That is stupid, stupid Internet shit. 

Vitor Belfort

 is a big draw in Brazil so he fights in Brazil. Same thing with Aldo and a lot of these other Brazilian champions. If any of you have ever been to Brazil, Brazilians want to see Brazilians kick other people's asses, not other Brazilian's asses."

 

 

What's your point in posting that?

[epwar]

 

 

Anybody remember this Dana "we're not hiding Vitor in Brazi" classic?

 

"They say [Vitor] can't fight here because of the TRT thing and that is complete bullshit. 

Vitor Belfort

 can fight here, he can fight in Vegas, he can fight in any of these places. Whether they give him TRT or they don't. It's not a given that he has to give up the treatment in Vegas. The guy has been busted before. He's had some issues and he's going to have to go before the athletic commission and they would decide what they are going to do."

"That doesn't mean that he can't fight in Vegas or that 

Vitor Belfort

 is banned from Vegas and something crazy is going to happen. Or that we're hiding him in Brazil because he's on TRT. That is stupid, stupid Internet shit. 

Vitor Belfort

 is a big draw in Brazil so he fights in Brazil. Same thing with Aldo and a lot of these other Brazilian champions. If any of you have ever been to Brazil, Brazilians want to see Brazilians kick other people's asses, not other Brazilian's asses."

 

 

What's your point in posting that?

 

 

Pointing out that the UFC was openly supporting legal roiding and pretending that they weren't perhaps?

[Craig H]

Jesus Christ your conspiracy drivel gets old.

 

So again, going back to Bigfoot, the dude actually needs it. He isn't like Reem who abused his body with steroids so much that his body doesn't produce test at a normal level, and he isn't like a Hendo who is trying slow down the hands of time. So he's still SOL then I take it?

[keith_h]

Jesus Christ your conspiracy drivel gets old.

 

So again, going back to Bigfoot, the dude actually needs it. He isn't like Reem who abused his body with steroids so much that his body doesn't produce test at a normal level, and he isn't like a Hendo who is trying slow down the hands of time. So he's still SOL then I take it?

 

Bigfoot did pop for Boldenone back in EliteXC, so he's not exactly innocent. There is no legit reason someone would be prescribed Boldenone, as it's a veterinary steroid they give to horses.

[epwar]

Jesus Christ your conspiracy drivel gets old.

 

How is that a conspiracy?  Dana said Vitor could easily fight in Vegas with TRT or not; within hours of TRT being banned in Nevada, they pull him from the fight.  It is a fact.  

[glfpunk]

You have no sense of context at all.  Belfort is currently on TRT.  He's been taking it constantly.  Of course they pulled him from the fight if he wouldn't have done it voluntarily.  Do you think they'd want to risk a title fight getting cancelled last minute because of a failed test? I don't blame them a bit and I would have thought Vitor himself wouldn't have tried to do it in that short of a timetable. 

[Ace]

Brazil just announced that they're banning TRT as well.

[The Natural]

I just cracked up imagining TRT fighters doing a Darth Vader style Noooooooooo at the news. Long time coming this.

[Elsalvajeloco]

Brazil just announced that they're banning TRT as well.

 

Seven posts up, Cap.

[keith_h]

Athletes will always try to use PEDs for an advantage, you can't change that, but the UFC and the Athletic commissions don't have to condone it, and with the rampant use of TRT that's what it was appearing to be. How many times have you heard about TRT exemptions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, hell even in Boxing? You never do. The fact that it was so prevalent in MMA was always shady as hell.

 

This is a step in the right direction. The next step needs to be blood testing instead of urine, and carbon isotope testing for synthetic testosterone. You will never catch everyone (athletes can even beat Olympic standard testing with enough $$$) but you can at least try.