Belfort analyzes documents during a meeting at NSAC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
After months of indecision and expectation, Vitor belfort is finally cleared to fight in Las Vegas (USA). After being caught with high testosterone levels in a surprise exam in February, and already having a history linked to anti-doping in 2006, the Brazilian attended a hearing at the Nevada Athletic Commission this Wednesday (23) and obtained his license to operate in the state. As a bonus, Belfort confirmed that he already has an agreement to face Chris Weidman on December 6th, in Vegas, at UFC 181.
READ TOO:
- Dillashaw promises progress for rematch: 'Barão will be surprised'
- Update adds champion Dillashaw to EA Sports UFC video game
– Barboza asks for a rematch against Cerrone: 'Result will be different'
To obtain release, Vitor first presented his defense. In his statement, Vitor admitted that he had high testosterone levels in February, but that the condition had been explained by his doctor due to the fact that the fighter had administered doses of testosterone days before the exam. Belfort also stated that he wants to show that he is a great athlete who follows the rules and has assured that he will not fight anywhere else without Nevada's permission. During his speech, the Brazilian even cried at times.
Subsequently, the Brazilian agreed to follow three central recommendations presented by the commissioners and without which his license would not be granted, they are: not to fight before December 2014, the date stipulated by the fighter himself in his statement; not taking his next fight outside of Las Vegas; and accept to undergo surprise doping tests between now and the day of his next fight, which he himself will have to bear the costs of carrying out.
Announcement of dispute in Vegas frustrates Brazilian expectations
The fans of Vitor belfort in Brazil, despite being happy with the fighter's success in obtaining his license despite a scenario surrounded by pessimism, they should not be celebrating the news in its entirety. This is because, with the conditions stipulated by the NSAC, the duel between Vitor and Weidman on Brazilian soil is ruled out – due to the minimum date and location for the Brazilian to return to the Octagon. In recent days, after the announcement that UFC 179 could be transferred from Rio de Janeiro (RJ) to Curitiba (PR), there was even the expectation that the middleweight belt dispute could headline the card at Arena da Baixada, the which should not be confirmed.
UPDATE (23/07, at 15:26):
A few minutes after the end of the session at the Nevada Athletic Commission, Ultimate confirmed the information given by Vitor at the hearing and announced Belfort x Weidman as the main fight of UFC 181. The organization used its social media profiles to publicize the news and celebrate the approval of the Brazilian's motion with the CSAC.
Comments