With the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s announcement yesterday that they have banned TRT and will no longer grant therapeutic use exemptions, Vitor Belfort has been pulled from the main event of UFC 173 where he was scheduled to face Chris Weidman for the UFC Middleweight Championship. Weidman will now attempt to defend his title against former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida. The pay-per-view event takes place on May 24th in Las Vegas.
The UFC issued the following statement regarding the switch:
“The Ultimate Fighting Championship® announced tonight that former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida will face off against UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 173 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 24.
In light of today’s unexpected ruling issued by the Nevada State Athletic Commission regarding the ban of therapeutic use exemptions for testosterone replacement therapy, Vitor Belfort, Weidman’s previously announced opponent, will no longer compete at UFC 173. Belfort, who has previously been granted therapeutic use exemptions, recognizes that he needs an extended period of time to become licensed in the state of Nevada.”
