It is expected that UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman will make his next title defense against Vitor Belfort in Las Vegas at a date TBD. Belfort’s last 3 fights have all taken place in Brazil, where he’s won each time by head kick KO. His TRT use has been well-document and a frequent point of discussion since his UFC return, and there’s question as to whether or not he’ll be granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) in Nevada, the same state where he tested positive for a banned substance back in 2006. Belfort’s manager, Glenn Robinson, thinks Vitor won’t even apply for one at all: (Quote transcribed by MMA Mania)
“I don’t believe so. It’s something that him and I have not discussed. He trains with us, but most of his, because he’s been in the game for so long, everything for him is pretty well set. So Joana (Belfort’s wife) does most of his day-to-day stuff. And it’s nothing that they’ve talked to me about. I don’t think they will (file for a TUE) to be honest with you, but it’s nothing they’ve talked to me about so I really couldn’t answer you straight.”
One of the potential roadblocks for Belfort heading into 2014 was whether or not the Nevada Athletic Commission would give him a TUE, specifically Keith Kizer, would grant him an exemption. Kizer was on record last year as saying that it’s “unlikely”, but he’s no longer the executive director, so we’ll see whether new changes will lead to a flipped stance.
Of course, the above statement is just the words of Belfort’s manager and not Belfort himself. By his own admission it’s his own opinion and not anything he’s talked to Vitor about, but is Robinson’s comment that far fetched? In an interview with Belfort done the week before his KO win over Dan Henderson, he said he’d drop TRT if he was offered a title shot. He’s got his title shot, but will he live up to his word?
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