Legendary knockout artist Vitor Belfort may have retired after losing to Lyoto Machida at May 12’s UFC 224, but ‘The Phenom’ is already looking insanely jacked in his post-retirement days.
Belfort recently took to social media to post a photo of himself from the neck up on Instagram, and let’s just say it hearkened back to his controversial testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) days.
Belfort infamously racked up three jaw-dropping knockout wins over Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold, and Dan Henderson, all by way of head kick, during an unprecedented run from 2013-2014 which earned him a title shot at then-champion Chris Weidman.
It also made him by far the most controversial fighter in the UFC due to his use of TRT, which was legal at the time but frowned upon. A failed out-of-competition drug test in early 2014 lead to the banning of its use in mixed martial arts competition, and may have laid the foundation for the UFC’s stringent USADA testing every fighter must subject to now.
Belfort is sure to draw a decent amount of heat for the above photo.
Could a move to Rizin or even Bellator be in the cards for “The Phenom?”
No. 5-ranked UFC middleweight contender Gegard Mousasi will make a quick turnaround when he rematches Uriah Hall on Nov. 19 in Belfast after just fighting former champion Vitor Belfort at Oct. 8’s UFC 204 in Manchester, England. Mousasi scored an impressive second round knockout over Belfort, but “The Dreamcatcher” feels as if “The Phenom” is
No. 5-ranked UFC middleweight contender Gegard Mousasi will make a quick turnaround when he rematches Uriah Hall on Nov. 19 in Belfast after just fighting former champion Vitor Belfort at Oct. 8’s UFC 204 in Manchester, England.
Mousasi scored an impressive second round knockout over Belfort, but “The Dreamcatcher” feels as if “The Phenom” is a different man now a days. In fact, Mousasi says that Belfort has ‘mental issues’ due to his use infamous use of the now banned testosterone-replacement-therapy (TRT):
“I think with Vitor, he has a lot of mental issues. If you take TRT, that’s testosterone,” he said. “You’re going to be aggressive and be confident. You feel more manly and whatever you feel. I think if he hits you, then he swarms on you with punches and kicks. But, I didn’t give him that chance. He landed one punch in the beginning but with him I think it’s a lot of mental stuff,” Mousasi told Daily Star Sport.
Belfort was a poster boy for TRT use during 2013, a year that saw him score three straight head kick knockouts over the likes of Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson. Since then, however, “The Phenom” has gone just 1-3, losing all three of those bouts by way of stoppage.
Mousasi added that Belfort didn’t feel like the explosive knockout artist he once was:
“He wasn’t the typical Vitor Belfort. But, like I said, TRT it’s not just physical — mentally you’re going to feel different,” he added. “If you look at the mirror (when you’re on TRT) you’re going to feel better. These are factors with him. He came in to fight and he was looking for the opportunity to land that big punch or that kick to finish the fight, but I think he wasn’t very sure of himself.”
Dan Henderson is starting to shoot daggers at UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping in advance of their fight at UFC 204 in Manchester. MMAFighting reports that at a media day, “Hendo” appeared to take…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWCsSTQFIA8
Dan Henderson is starting to shoot daggers at UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping in advance of their fight at UFC 204 in Manchester. MMAFighting reports that at a media day, “Hendo” appeared to take issue with the narrative that Bisping and others have painted about both that fight and some of Lisping’s other major losses.
Their first fight, at UFC 200, was billed as a middleweight title eliminator. While Henderson won by memorable knockout, he left for Strikeforce and never got the title shot (well, at least until now). Bisping later got two more title eliminators, against Chael Sonnen and then Vitor Belfort, losing both. Henderson, Sonnen, and Belfort were all on testosterone replacement therapy, which was allowed at the time. Bisping had always felt he didn’t get a fair shake as a result.
“I think he’s a little bit naive about certain things,” said Henderson at the media event. “I was taking TRT when it was legal and really wasn’t taking much. That’s why I think it’s funny. I think his body has changed more since we fought the first time than mine has. He looks a lot bigger and a lot different now than he did then. I look about the same except for maybe a little grayer here and there.”
For his part, Bisping went with sarcasm in response. “Dan Henderson, you were on TRT,” Bisping said at the gym day. “You were the godfather of TRT. Shame on you. This is the guy that says he needed TRT to be able to compete. Yet years later, he’s still competing. This guy is a marvel to modern science. Perhaps if you take his blood, we can find the cure for cancer. Because this guy is an anomaly.” He also offered to take blood and urine tests on the spot.
“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!”
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.
“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!”
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.”
Remember that surprise drug test that Vitor Belfort had to undergo in February? The one where the results were kept private — and were “not relevant” according to Belfort’s lawyer and UFC president Dana White himself, because Belfort wasn’t currently licensed to fight in Nevada? Well, Belfort probably tested positive for elevated testosterone. I mean, we already assumed that was the case, but now we have Joe Rogan saying so explicitly on an episode of his podcast over the weekend:
“They did it to Vitor, random drug test, and Vitor was on testosterone. And that was the reason that testosterone got banned in the first place. The whole thing went down when Vitor tested positive…Before that, [the NSAC was] considering him for a testosterone exemption, and there was a lot of talk whether or not he would be up for a testosterone exemption. But, because when they him he tested positive, they scrapped the whole testosterone program.”
So how did Rogan get hip to this inside info? Actually, we’re not sure — and the fact that he leaked it on his podcast probably didn’t sit well with the UFC. But according to a Yahoo! Cagewriter report from our pal Elias Cepeda, the mystery of Belfort’s random drug test will be cleared up once and for all on June 17th, when the results will be revealed in a NSAC licensing hearing…
Remember that surprise drug test that Vitor Belfort had to undergo in February? The one where the results were kept private — and were “not relevant” according to Belfort’s lawyer and UFC president Dana White himself, because Belfort wasn’t currently licensed to fight in Nevada? Well, Belfort probably tested positive for elevated testosterone. I mean, we already assumed that was the case, but now we have Joe Rogan saying so explicitly on an episode of his podcast over the weekend:
“They did it to Vitor, random drug test, and Vitor was on testosterone. And that was the reason that testosterone got banned in the first place. The whole thing went down when Vitor tested positive…Before that, [the NSAC was] considering him for a testosterone exemption, and there was a lot of talk whether or not he would be up for a testosterone exemption. But, because when they him he tested positive, they scrapped the whole testosterone program.”
So how did Rogan get hip to this inside info? Actually, we’re not sure — and the fact that he leaked it on his podcast probably didn’t sit well with the UFC. But according to a Yahoo! Cagewriter report from our pal Elias Cepeda, the mystery of Belfort’s random drug test will be cleared up once and for all on June 17th, when the results will be revealed in a NSAC licensing hearing…
“The test results will be made public, yes,” Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett told Cagewriter. “If Mr. Belfort appears at his hearing, which I’m sure he will, the commissioners will get to question him about any topics they want and I’m sure that will come up.”
Belfort is currently slated to fight Chael Sonnen at UFC 175 in July, as long as he gets licensed in that 6/17 hearing. Considering he was previously caught for steroids in 2006, and (allegedly) failed an out-of-competition drug test in February, the commission would be well within their rights to turn down his application.
But what if Belfort is licensed? What does that say about the NSAC’s power (or lack of it) in the post-Keith Kizer era? The UFC is promoting Belfort vs. Sonnen as if licensing is just a formality — which sort of implies that the NSAC is a toothless organization that rolls over whenever there’s a lot of money on the line. Maybe the UFC is just crossing its fingers and hoping it all works out. Either way, a precedent will be set on June 17th. Stay tuned…
Good news, Nation! After a disastrous 2013 that saw Anderson Silva‘s fibula and tibia snap like a swizzle stick in the hands of a bartender with Parkinson’s, “The Spider” has been cleared to resume training! And better yet, he’s already set a timetable for his return! Why? Because you can’t keep a champion down, no matter how many times you tell him that he should just enjoy his damn legacy already, that’s why! When will we see him return? And against who? Is my sudden positivity at-all related to the ketamine I just snorted? FIND OUT BELOW.
I’m very exciting because I back for training. My doctor in Brazil say my leg’s good. I’m very happy. And next year, I back.
This year, I no back for fight. I have my plans, I have my family and working hard on my academy in Brazil. So next year, I don’t know when, but next year.
How I’ve missed that helium-voiced, broken English so.
It’s crazy to think that Silva could presumably start full-on training next week considering it’s been just five months since he lost “by accident” in his rematch with Chris Weidman at UFC 168. While it’s still up in the air whether Silva could be granted an immediate title shot upon his return or not, you almost have to admit that the UFC needs a PPV-draw like him in a time when nearlyeverychampion is recovering from injury.
Good news, Nation! After a disastrous 2013 that saw Anderson Silva‘s fibula and tibia snap like a swizzle stick in the hands of a bartender with Parkinson’s, “The Spider” has been cleared to resume training! And better yet, he’s already set a timetable for his return! Why? Because you can’t keep a champion down, no matter how many times you tell him that he should just enjoy his damn legacy already, that’s why! When will we see him return? And against who? Is my sudden positivity at-all related to the ketamine I just snorted? FIND OUT BELOW.
I’m very exciting because I back for training. My doctor in Brazil say my leg’s good. I’m very happy. And next year, I back.
This year, I no back for fight. I have my plans, I have my family and working hard on my academy in Brazil. So next year, I don’t know when, but next year.
How I’ve missed that helium-voiced, broken English so.
It’s crazy to think that Silva could presumably start full-on training next week considering it’s been just five months since he lost “by accident” in his rematch with Chris Weidman at UFC 168. While it’s still up in the air whether Silva could be granted an immediate title shot upon his return or not, you almost have to admit that the UFC needs a PPV-draw like him in a time when nearlyeverychampion is recovering from injury.
We haven’t heard much from Vitor Belfort ever since he withdrew from his UFC 173-scheduled title fight with Chris Weidman in the wake of the TRT ban. Although Belfort told MMAFighting last month that he had “passed all the tests that Nevada requires on his own,” he was all but dismissed by Dana White, who claimed that Belfort needed to “solve his problems with the Nevada State Athletic Commission” before he could compete again:
He’s got a lot of work to do. That shit just doesn’t happen like that. You gotta get on the agenda. He’s got a lot of work to do. He’s fooling himself if that’s what he really thinks, he took a couple of home tests and he’s ready to roll. Or whatever he did.
Funny how when Belfort is fighting for a title, White is the first guy to defend his usage of TRT while claiming that the UFC is “testing the shit out of him,” but the minute he pulls out of said fight, TRT is “his problem.” You just don’t see flip-flopping like that everyday, folks. Unless you follow MMA, that is.
In any case, the Brazilian Athletic Commission’s medical director, Dr. Marcio Tannure, told MMAFighting earlier today that not only has Belfort figured his TRT problems out, but that he has been cleared to fight again in Brazil. And only Brazil:
He can fight here, no problem, but he can’t use TRT. Since he doesn’t have a license to use TRT anymore, he would be tested like any other fighter. Every commission has its standards. I don’t know which test he did and what was the result, so I can’t talk about it and which criteria they’re considering in (Belfort’s) case.
Every time a fighter that tested positive in the past applies for a license in Nevada is tested again, and we will adopt that here as well. This is an interesting criteria, and we will also do it, but (Belfort) never tested positive here.
Just so you know, Belfort recently stated that he “feels like an animal” without TRT thanks to the Holy Spirit, but still feels that his opponents have an advantage over him sans-TRT. So there’s that. Moving on…
To say that it’s been a harrowing year for former bantamweight #1 contender Cat Zingano would be a colossal understatement to say the least. Not only did an ACL tear force her out of a TUF 18 coaching gig (and subsequent title shot against Ronda Rousey) before casual audiences could even learn her name, but in January, her husband Mauricio was found dead after an apparent suicide.
An interesting way of announcing it, but good to hear nonetheless. And wouldn’t you know it, Sarah Kaufman has already stepped up and offered Zingano a “tune up” fight this summer while Ronda Rousey to dispatch fights Alexis Davisat UFC 175. How Canadian of her. That a fight you’d be interested in, Nation?
