In news that may not be a shock to anyone, Vitor Belfort has finally ended the spectulation surrounding his random drug test in February. Following the drug test, the Nevada State Athletic Commission abolished all Testosterone Replacement Therapy exemptions and Belfort withdrew from his UFC middleweight title bout with Chris Weidman.
Speculation at the time was that Belfort failed the drug test, but Belfort was not a licensed fighter in the state, so they did not make his results public.
Today, Belfort released a statement in PDF format through his Instagram in preparation for a June 17 licensing hearing for a bout with Chael Sonnen in Nevada.
"As I always said I have nothing to hide from anyone," Belfort stated on the Instagram post. He continued "I am releasing my statement along with all my privates test results( click the link below).Looking forward to get my license in Nevada and fight in July."
Belfort linked to a PDF statement that also includes the results of several subsequent drug tests.
From the statement:
At the time that test was taken, I was considering filing for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) from the NSAC. While I had not made formal application for a TUE, the NSAC nonetheless requested I take the test and I willingly complied. I further confirmed to the NSAC, in writing, the widely known fact that I was then presently on TRT and had been for many years leading up to that test and that I had further taken the TRT dosage recommended by my doctors the day prior.
The results of the February 7, 2014, test indicated that my testosterone level was above the therapeutic range. While levels slightly outside the normal therapeutic range are not uncommon for some undergoing a TRT regimen, and my doctors immediately modified my therapy to return me to within the therapeutic range (as you can see the 22nd February test results was normal), I do want to acknowledge that the February 7, 2014 test indicated my level was above the range.
Since that February 7, 2014 test, I have taken several subsequent tests, in late February, March, April and May, and the results of each test indicate my levels were either normal or below normal. To avoid any ambiguity, I am releasing, along with this statement, the results of all the test noted above and will provide the same to NSCA for their consideration as part of my licensing application. I further welcome any additional testing that the NSAC deems appropriate and necessary
Belfort is effectively asking for no punishment for a failed NSAC drug test. This would be unheard of in the past. However, with a new NSAC executive director, it's always possible that things are done differently. It won't be the ED's decision though, Belfort will have to go in front of the commission and present his case, which will then be put to a vote.
Given that his follow-up tests weren't NSAC ordered (at least it doesn't read as such), I don't know how much weight will be given to them. It's also a massive factor in the decision making process that this is the second drug test Belfort has failed in Nevada.
But, this does put an end to the constant pushback from the Belfort camp as well as the UFC, who have both seemingly deemed the February test results "irrelevant."
Update: Vitor's statement includes all of his test results. You can look through the PDF, but Jordan Breen summed them up quite well:
