Vitor Belfort returns to Brazil this fall, but you can’t blame testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for that.
Belfort fights in Brazil for the fourth time over the last five fights when he headlines UFC Fight Night 32 card in Goiania against Dan Henderson on Nov. 9, and he says ticket sales are the reason why he won’t return to the United States anytime soon.
“A lot of fighters are on TRT right now, (but) everybody’s saying that’s why I fight there,” Belfort said on Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour. “But I believe the reason why I fight in Brazil is because I sell a lot in Brazil. I miss fighting in Las Vegas and other places, but I don’t see any problems that I’m not fighting (there) because I sell big in Brazil. Makes sense for them and makes sense for me.”
For those who claim Belfort isn’t well tested when he fights in Brazil, he has an answer for that. And “The Phenom” warns Henderson that, if he applies for TRT, he will have to do some extra tests.
“Brazil is the only place that they do blood tests after the fight,” he said. “Now, I’m fighting a guy who’s on TRT too. They are very surprised that they will have to test blood too. Two months before the fight I have to do blood tests, at least once a month. I do that on my own every week too. It’s important. I’m just trying to be fair with everybody and also with myself.”
Despite not giving too many interviews in the past months, claiming he would just “wait in silence” for his next fight, Belfort used his personal Twitter to call out a couple opponents. Dana White even said Vitor Belfort drives him “crazy” for calling out Chris Weidman and Chael Sonnen, but the Brazilian says they are good now.
“I believe we all make mistakes,” he said. “I made mine and I think the key of life is just recognize your mistakes. Once you recognize it, you solve it. Sometimes it’s just differences and things like that. I spoke with (Dana) and asked him to forgive anything I did. It was good. We have a big fight, we’re happy. I don’t need to tell how much I am a company guy, how much I worked hard for the UFC inside and outside the cage. I’m very happy and blessed to work the biggest promotion of the world. And I honor my commitments.
“The bottom line is I know where I can stand, what I have to do. I really apologize whatever I did. I’m here to do my job. They offered me this fight and I think it’s great. I will always be there for them.”
Belfort’s “next job” is on Nov. 9 in Goiania, and he’s ready to face another “lion” inside the Octagon.
“I’m very happy to have that rematch,” said Belfort. “Not a lot of guys give me rematches. It’s my first in the UFC so I’m excited. He’s a lion. I’m facing a lion, so I have to be ready. Henderson is fighting five rounds with tough guys, going after guys, not backing off. Dan Henderson is a great fighter. I have to be ready and prepared, focused, and that’s what I’m doing.”