Vitor Belfort Breezes Through NSAC Licensing Hearing, Will Face Chris Weidman at UFC 181 in Las Vegas



(Yes, it was broadcast on Fight Pass. No, Rogan and Goldie weren’t calling the action, although that would have been amazing. / Screencap via UFC Fight Pass on Twitter)

In retrospect, we should have known better to expect the Nevada State Athletic Commission to crack down on Vitor Belfort. Too much money was on the line.

Belfort appeared at an NSAC licensing hearing today, in the wake of his positive test for elevated testosterone in February. It was the second time that Belfort has failed a drug test in Nevada, following a steroid bust in 2006. And yet, Belfort cruised through the proceedings, walking away with a conditional license that would keep him sidelined until December and require him to undergo random blood and urine testing at his own expense. The commission’s decision to re-license Belfort was unanimous.

Directly after Belfort’s license was secure, the UFC announced that the Brazilian veteran would fight Chris Weidman in a middleweight title fight at UFC 181, December 6th in Las Vegas.

Belfort was humble and cooperative during today’s hearing, throwing himself at the mercy of the commission, but his version of events were never challenged. Here’s an excerpt from MMAJunkie’s report that suggests how toothless the NSAC’s hearing was:



(Yes, it was broadcast on Fight Pass. No, Rogan and Goldie weren’t calling the action, although that would have been amazing. / Screencap via UFC Fight Pass on Twitter)

In retrospect, we should have known better to expect the Nevada State Athletic Commission to crack down on Vitor Belfort. Too much money was on the line.

Belfort appeared at an NSAC licensing hearing today, in the wake of his positive test for elevated testosterone in February. It was the second time that Belfort has failed a drug test in Nevada, following a steroid bust in 2006. And yet, Belfort cruised through the proceedings, walking away with a conditional license that would keep him sidelined until December and require him to undergo random blood and urine testing at his own expense. The commission’s decision to re-license Belfort was unanimous.

Directly after Belfort’s license was secure, the UFC announced that the Brazilian veteran would fight Chris Weidman in a middleweight title fight at UFC 181, December 6th in Las Vegas.

Belfort was humble and cooperative during today’s hearing, throwing himself at the mercy of the commission, but his version of events were never challenged. Here’s an excerpt from MMAJunkie’s report that suggests how toothless the NSAC’s hearing was:

“I know like the UFC is my authority, you’re my authority,” Belfort said. “I’ll fully collaborate with you”…

The 37-year-old said he received a doctor-administered injection as part of his TRT treatment a day before the failed test on Feb. 7. Belfort said he usually received two injections per week as part of his treatment, but with the trip to Las Vegas, he took one larger dose, his lawyer said.

“I take responsibility for that,” Belfort said.

Although the NSAC’s line of questions was polite, multiple commissioners voiced their concern about Belfort’s past.

“I don’t want to be embarrassed, and I know the commission doesn’t either,” commissioner Anthony Marnell III said.

Perhaps surprisingly, Belfort and the commission didn’t discuss his failed drug test (anabolic steroid) at a 2006 PRIDE event. That event took place in Las Vegas.

In other words, Belfort “admitted” to a one-time lapse of judgement in which he doubled-up on his TRT injections, and wouldn’t you know it, that happened to be the time when he was hit with a random drug test. Just a terrible coincidence, really. But hey, he’s taking responsibility. What a guy! Also, we have a NSAC commissioner suggesting that he doesn’t want to cause embarrassment by bringing up Belfort’s past steroid bust, SO HE DOESN’T BRING IT UP. Jesus Christ, this commission.

Anyway, Belfort vs. Weidman. Damn it. Who ya got?

Anthony Pettis Will Return, Defend Belt December 6 vs. Gilbert Melendez

Anthony Pettis will defend his UFC lightweight title December 6 against top contender Gilbert Melendez at UFC 181.
The fight will be Pettis’ first title defense. For that matter, it’s the first bout of any kind for “Showtime” since he won the belt from…

Anthony Pettis will defend his UFC lightweight title December 6 against top contender Gilbert Melendez at UFC 181.

The fight will be Pettis‘ first title defense. For that matter, it’s the first bout of any kind for “Showtime” since he won the belt from Benson Henderson last August at UFC 164.

Pettis broke the news Monday as a guest on The MMA Hour broadcast with host Ariel Helwani

“December 6 is going to be the date of my next fight; it’ll be out here in Vegas,” Pettis said. “I got word from the UFC…and I can’t wait.”

Pettis‘ next opponent was no secret, as he and Melendez are coaching against each other on the 20th season of The Ultimate Fighter, which is currently filming. However, an exact date and time had not been revealed until Pettis did so Monday.

The champion said on the show that he is fully recovered from the knee injury that will have sidelined him for more than a year by the time he returns to UFC competition.

“I’m back to training,” Pettis said. “I gave the injury the right amount of time off, and I’m ready to be back in the Octagon…It’s hard to be out this long.”

Pettis is one of the sport’s most marketable stars, having recently been connected to major brands like Reebok and Wheaties.

And the hype is backed up by substance. Pettis (17-2) is the rare fighter who has been able to use a high-flying, almost acrobatic style to win at the highest levels of the sport. 

He is now 4-1 in the UFC and has not dropped a bout in the Octagon since his debut for the company in 2011. He lost that contest by decision to Clay Guida.

Pettis has defeated Henderson in two title bouts. The first came under the WEC banner, and the second happened last August.

Pettis also has UFC wins over Jeremy Stephens, Donald Cerrone and Joe Lauzon. In addition, he has previously been linked to a superfight with UFC featherweight belt-holder Jose Aldo.

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