UFC CEO and co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta confirmed with ESPN this week when Chris Weidman will face Vitor Belfort and possibly where:
“Depending on Chris Weidman, I’d like to do Vegas [in] May or July,” Fertitta told ESPN via text message.
The issue with Vegas is that Belfort may receive push back from the NSAC when he looks for a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone replacement therapy. Belfort has not fought in the USA over his last three fights and there is some speculation that the reason behind it is because of failed performance enhancing drug tests in the USA. NSAC Director, Keith Kizer has expressed doubt in the past that Belfort would be licensed in Nevada due to a failed test in 2006.
In his defense, Belfort says he is able to fight anywhere:
“I’m able to fight anywhere,” Belfort said. “I have done everything by the book. Everybody knows that people cheat, but I don’t. I’m very open and very loyal to my principles.”
Weidman’s trainer Ray Longo isn’t on the TRT train and feels Belfort doesn’t deserve the exemption:
“I know Chris is beating the guy but why give him an advantage?” Longo said. “Why does he deserve that? All he did was abuse his body with steroids so that now he needs the exemption. It’s bull—-.”
