V. Belfort (photo) faces C. Weidman in December. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Few topics linked to MMA have been as controversial in recent years as Testosterone Replacement Treatment (TRT). Used by some big names in the sport, the practice generated controversy until it was finally banned by the Nevada Athletic Commission in February of this year. Great exponent of TRT and one of the most questioned names due to hormone replacement, Vitor belfort received this Wednesday (23) the license to face Chris Weidman in Las Vegas, at UFC 181, and hopes that the fight will be the chance to put an end to questions about the treatment once and for all.
“I asked for this condition. I want to put an end to this talk, I want to fight here in Las Vegas to put an end to these questions (about the TRT). I'm prepared, I've been testing myself and I think that's a good thing. When TRT ended, everyone was speculating things and now a lot of guys are being caught with illegal substances. I am clean, and everything that is on the WADA list is not on my body. I have been tested a lot. No one has been tested more in the UFC than me. I think it's good that they have this new type of test today”, said Vitor, shortly after the meeting at NSAC, in an interview on the website of the “Combate” channel.
The “Phenomenon”, as he is known, also took the opportunity to once again dispel rumors that his performance in the octagon had improved only because of TRT. “My performance has always been the same. Before facing the Anderson Silva I was knocking out a lot of guys. If you check my fights, the only guys I lost to in the octagon were Anderson and Jon Jones. Before that, I was devastatingly winning,” she recalled.
Finally, Vitor said he believes that a victory, and consequent winning of the belt, will be the definitive argument to end the discussion about the treatment and its possible benefits. “I don't want to talk about TRT anymore, I don't think we have to mention it anymore. TRT doesn't give you an advantage, it leaves you on the same level as others. It's a treatment that still exists in the NFL and other sports. But now it will be good, because I will fight with low testosterone and no one will have any more excuses”, he concluded.
On December 6th, at Mandalay Bay, in Las Vegas (USA), Vitor belfort challenge the champion Chris Weidman, who faces his fourth consecutive Brazilian opponent, for the middleweight belt. The fight is the main event of UFC 181. In the co-main event of the night, Anthony Pettis puts the lightweight title on the line for the first time against challenger Gilbert Melendez. The fight also marks the duel of TUF 20 coaches.
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