Vitor Belfort Admits That He Tested Positive for Elevated Testosterone in February


(That cross is supposed to ward off athletic commission inspectors. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. / Props: Blackzilians.com)

In what some observers are calling the biggest “no shit” thing that’s ever happened, UFC star Vitor Belfort admitted today that he did indeed test positive for elevated testosterone in a random drug test in February.

“As I always said I have nothing to hide from anyone,” Belfort ironically wrote on Instagram, after four months of hiding his February test results and a year-and-a-half of dodging questions about his TRT usage. “I am releasing my statement along with all my [private] test results. Looking forward to get my license in Nevada and fight in July. Thank you all!”

Belfort’s test results were expected to be made public during his NSAC licensing hearing on June 17th. Instead, he has decided to get in front of the controversy, and explain in advance why he failed the test. (Without going into technical detail that I barely understand myself, Belfort’s testosterone levels were high as hell during that February test; feel free to dig into the data right here.) On that note, Belfort’s statement is below:

In anticipation for my hearing before the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), I want to address questions concerning a drug test I took back on February 7, 2014, that was requested by the NSAC.

At the time that test was taken, I was considering filing for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) from the NSAC. While I had not made formal application for a TUE, the NSAC nonetheless requested I take the test and I willingly complied. I further confirmed to the NSAC, in writing, the widely known fact that I was then presently on TRT and had been for many years leading up to that test and that I had further taken the TRT dosage recommended by my doctors the day prior.


(That cross is supposed to ward off athletic commission inspectors. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. / Props: Blackzilians.com)

In what some observers are calling the biggest “no shit” thing that’s ever happened, UFC star Vitor Belfort admitted today that he did indeed test positive for elevated testosterone in a random drug test in February.

“As I always said I have nothing to hide from anyone,” Belfort ironically wrote on Instagram, after four months of hiding his February test results and a year-and-a-half of dodging questions about his TRT usage. “I am releasing my statement along with all my [private] test results. Looking forward to get my license in Nevada and fight in July. Thank you all!”

Belfort’s test results were expected to be made public during his NSAC licensing hearing on June 17th. Instead, he has decided to get in front of the controversy, and explain in advance why he failed the test. (Without going into technical detail that I barely understand myself, Belfort’s testosterone levels were high as hell during that February test; feel free to dig into the data right here.) On that note, Belfort’s statement is below:

In anticipation for my hearing before the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), I want to address questions concerning a drug test I took back on February 7, 2014, that was requested by the NSAC.

At the time that test was taken, I was considering filing for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) from the NSAC. While I had not made formal application for a TUE, the NSAC nonetheless requested I take the test and I willingly complied. I further confirmed to the NSAC, in writing, the widely known fact that I was then presently on TRT and had been for many years leading up to that test and that I had further taken the TRT dosage recommended by my doctors the day prior.

The results of the February 7, 2014, test indicated that my testosterone level was above the therapeutic range. While levels slightly outside the normal therapeutic range are not uncommon for some undergoing a TRT regimen, and my doctors immediately modified my therapy to return me to within the therapeutic range (as you can see the 22nd February test results was normal), I do want to acknowledge that the February 7, 2014 test indicated my level was above the range.

Since that February 7, 2014 test, I have taken several subsequent tests, in late February, March, April and May, and the results of each test indicate my levels were either normal or below normal. To avoid any ambiguity, I am releasing, along with this statement, the results of all the test noted above and will provide the same to NSCA for their consideration as part of my licensing application. I further welcome any additional testing that the NSAC deems appropriate and necessary with respect to being granted the privilege of a license to fight here in the State of Nevada.

Shortly thereafter, on February 27, 2014, the NSAC banned all TRT and I stopped my TRT treatment that very same day. Now that I am applying for a license in Nevada, I don’t want any clouds hanging over my ability to compete and I understand it is my responsibility to prove to the NSAC that I have the requisite fitness to be licensed in Nevada.

I truly appreciate and thank the Commission for considering my application, and I look forward to providing any information and answering any questions that the NSAC might have on June 17. And if the NSAC sees fit to grant my application, I look forward to fighting on July 5, 2014 in Las Vegas and again proving that I am one of the best fighters in the world.

At this point the UFC’s only official statement is the following update on its website: “The UFC organization supports Vitor Belfort’s application for a license to compete in Nevada, and we respect the Nevada Athletic Commission and its licensing process. Pending Commission approval, we look forward to a great fight between Vitor Belfort and Chael Sonnen at UFC 175 on July 5.”

Fun fact, via MookieAlexander: “Today’s Vitor news means Anderson Silva has faced an incredible 7 different opponents who have failed a UFC drug test. That would be: Chris Leben (2x offender), Nate Marquardt (2x), James Irvin, Forrest Griffin, Chael Sonnen, Vitor, & Stephan Bonnar (2x). Marquardt counts as a 2x offender because he couldn’t get his levels down in time for the Story fight, which is why he pulled out.”