T. Kennedy (photo) says that Belfort will not compete at a high level again. Photo: Josh Hedges (ZUFFA/Strikeforce)
Tim Kennedy, currently ranked sixth in the UFC middleweight rankings, does not believe that Vitor belfort, third on the list, will be able to compete at a high level from now on with the ban on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and the increase in drug testing.
The North American accused the Brazilian of using steroids for a long time, so his body would not get used to competing without the use of banned substances. “There is no possibility of him competing at a high level against Chris Weidman, I, Luke Rockhold, without improving chemically. I don't care if he's drinking the blood of Jesus or whatever, but it doesn't work that way. He's been using steroids for 15 or 20 years, and he's still using them. If he tries to stay clean, he won’t compete at a high level,” said Kennedy, in an interview with the “Submission Radio” podcast.
Kennedy reported on the negotiations to face Belfort last year, in a fight that did not go ahead due to the Brazilian's refusal, who stated, at the time, that he would only fight at middleweight to fight for the belt. “I love fighting and I would sign under that phrase that says 'I'll fight anyone, in any fight, on any date'. So, would I face Vitor? They already proposed this fight to me and I said yes. They asked me to face him in Brazil, and I said yes. They asked for the fight to be light heavyweight, and I said yes. So, I asked if we could do some drug tests, and they told me no,” said Kennedy.
The North American, who is coming off three consecutive victories in the UFC, will face off against Yoel romero at UFC 178 in September. He compared the Cuban's style with that of Belfort. “I wanted to face Vitor belfort, or one Vitor belfort clean. Apparently this was not possible. So, Yoel is a good option. He's very talented - in fact, I think he's better than Vitor belfort, as it presents more dangers”, he analyzed.
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