Following the ruling by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to ban therapeutic use exemptions for testosterone replacement therapy, Vitor Belfort will no longer compete at UFC 173 and replacing him against Chris Weidman will be Lyoto Machida.
The change was announced during last night’s edition of Fox Sports Live.
“With today’s ruling by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, who’s undefeated since dropping to 185 pounds, will fight champion Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 173 in May,” UFC President Dana White said. “Machida was dominant in his last two fights, beating Gegard Mousasi and knocking out Mark Munoz.”
“He’s earned this shot at Weidman, who’s coming off two straight wins over the greatest fighter of all time, Anderson Silva. Machida wants nothing more than to avenge the losses of his friend and training partner, and become just the third fighter in UFC history to win titles in two separate weight classes.”
Following the announcement of Machida now facing Weidman for the title at UFC 173, Belfort released a statement and “The Phenom” said that he will be getting off testosterone replacement therapy.
“The Nevada State Athletic Commission recently altered its policy and no longer will permit testosterone use exemptions, and will not permit a TRT program,” Belfort said. “As other jurisdictions may follow suit, I am going to drop my TRT program and compete in MMA without it. Given the time constraints involved between now and my proposed next bout in May, I have determined not to apply for a license to fight in Nevada at this time.”
UFC 173 takes place on May 24th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and the UFC will be announcing details on tickets in the near future.