Chris Weidman vs Vitor Belfort Set For UFC 184 On February 28th From Los Angeles
It seems as if controversy is always surrounding Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort. Three months ago at his hearing regarding multiple drug test failures, the Nevada State Athletic Commission granted Belfort a license to fight in the state under three conditions: he could not compete prior to December of 2014, his next fight had to be in Nevada, and he would agree to take random blood and urine tests no matter where he was.
Here’s what the commission said to “The Phenom” at his hearing:
“I’ll give you my definition of reasonable testing going forward from this commissioner’s perspective, we’re going to drug test you to the day you retire. That’s my definition of reasonable. We, in my opinion, should be in and around your career until the day you call it quits.”
Belfort was scheduled to be next in line for a middleweight title shot, so it was no surprise when the UFC quickly scheduled Belfort vs. Chris Weidman for the title on December 6, 2014, in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the champion suffered an injury to his hand and the fight had to be postponed.
After receiving his license to fight again and under all these conditions it is ironic to know that Belfort actually has not been tested once since the hearing last July.
MMA Fighting caught up with NAC executive director Bob Bennett to get the details on why the Brazilian has not been tested. Bennett said he currently has no plans in place to randomly test Belfort because the UFC recently informed the commission that the Weidman vs. Belfort fight would probably take place in California next year.
That statement proved true as it was announced today by the UFC that the championship scrap will headline UFC 184 on February 28, 2015 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Bennett also claimed that the commission has not tested Belfort at all, despite the fight being scheduled for two months before Weidman had to pull out. This seemed to not surprisingly shock Weidman, who also confirmed he had not been tested either:
http://t.co/Rugr7fztGI wow!Thought he’s been getting tested countless times. Hasn’t been tested once since fight announcement 3 months ago!?
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) October 23, 2014
The executive commissioner went on to add how he feels California State Athletic Commission executive officer, Andy Foster will “spearhead” the testing on “The Phenom.”
This whole situation is turning out quite unusual. The NAC claimed that they would be testing Belfort frequently, and he has not been tested at all. Also, what happened to his first fight back had to be in Las Vegas?
MMA Fighting spoke to Foster as well, who now has his hands full with the drama-filled Belfort:
“He’s not going to get a free pass. He will have blood and urine randomly tested.”
“I would be shocked and amazed if he cheated.”
The CSAC officer went on to add that Belfort will be tested three to five times randomly before the fight, as well as the night of the event. He also plans on making the Brazilian pay for all drug testing costs.
Regarding how many times Weidman will be tested, Foster admitted that he hadn’t decided yet. However, the champion, who has never failed any type of drug test, confirmed that he is open to being tested at any time.
It seems as if Belfort feels the same way. A representative from his management team said the fighter is ready to be tested at any time:
“Anytime. We want to do it anytime.”
This future title bout is shaping up to be one of the most controversial bouts in history. It is only fair to the champion, however, if Belfort is 100 percent clean coming into the bout. In my opinion, this fight is not a hard one to call.
I don’t see any way the once TRT-infused knockout artist can beat the well-rounded motivated champion. Do you agree? Or does the “Phenom” stand a chance?
