After four months of guessing and speculation, UFC middleweight contender Vitor Belfort revealed that he failed his random drug test on February 7 for elevated levels of testosterone.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission issued the test and processed the sample through LabCorp, which is detailed through a 16-page PDF file that Belfort linked to on Twitter.
Belfort is currently set to square off with three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen at UFC 175 on July 5, replacing Wanderlei Silva - who had his own issues with the NSAC for refusing a random drug test and not applying for his fighter’s license on time.
Of course, “The Phenom” won’t be able to step foot inside the Octagon unless he gets a license from the NSAC at their June 17 hearing.
Given the latest revelations, that is no given, especially since Belfort failed a drug test for elevated levels of testosterone back in October 2006.
With all that in mind, it is at least a little surprising to hear Belfort get the endorsement from his employer in the midst of all this.
Check out the UFC’s official stance on the situation, per UFC.com:
“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,” the statement says.
“Pending Commission approval, we look forward to a great fight between Vitor Belfort and Chael Sonnen at UFC 175 on July 5.”
Last month, UFC President Dana White stated that in the event that Belfort did not get licensed, Sonnen would be removed from the card since there is no plan C in place.
Is there a realistic chance that Belfort can still get licensed after failing another drug test or is his tenure in the UFC winding down to a close due to this tumultuous situation?