Vitor Belfort Out Of Chris Weidman Fight Following TRT Ban, Replacement Announced, Dana Comments

As noted yesterday, the Nevada State Athletic Commission voted unanimously to ban therapeutic use exemptions for testosterone replacement therapy. Following the ruling, top UFC middleweight contender Vitor Belfort pulled out of his planned title fight with UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 173. Belfort, who has previously been granted therapeutic use exemptions, agreed to withdraw from the fight and recognized that he needs an extended period of time to become licensed in the state of Nevada.

The UFC announced that former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida will replace Belfort and face Weidman in the main event of UFC 173 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 24.

"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."