Gustafsson out, Belfort in
A long-awaited decision by the Nevada Athletic Commission was made Wednesday, clearing the way for Vitor Belfort to fight Chris Weidman for the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight title in December.
But it wasn’t the biggest news of the day in mixed martial arts.
Top light heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson was forced to pull out of a title fight rematch with Jon Jones because of a knee injury. He has been replaced by undefeated two-time Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier for the main event bout of UFC 178 on Sept. 27 at the MGM Grand Garden.
Belfort will fight Weidman in the main event of UFC 181 on Dec. 6 at Mandalay Bay. The biggest obstacle to Belfort getting the fight was overcome when the NAC voted unanimously Wednesday morning in Las Vegas to approve his application to fight.
That was far from a foregone conclusion.
The 37-year-old Brazilian, who previously failed a steroid test in the state in 2006, had an elevated T/E ratio when he was tested by the commission in February. Belfort told the commission that was because he took an unusually large dose of testosterone the day before the test because he was traveling.
He was competing under a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone replacement therapy at the time, a practice that was banned by the commission later that month.
Belfort was scheduled to fight in July, but the UFC pulled him out of the bout after his opponent, Chael Sonnen, also failed a drug test.
After a discussion on Wednesday, the NAC informed Belfort he would be tested often to ensure he doesn’t stray from the rules. Belfort said he understood and agreed that he would be financially responsible for the testing.
The commission ruled Belfort could not fight until December, must comply with random drug testing and can’t compete anywhere but Nevada for his next fight.
Commission chairman Francisco Aguilar said Belfort understands his responsibility to stay within the rules.
“I think the opportunity existed for Vitor Belfort to fight, and he understood the commission’s position on the issue as we had earlier in our change on TRT. However, he took the onus on himself that he would comply with our regulations,” Aguilar said. “It’s a binding contract, in my mind. He’s subject to random testing by us, and he will meet those requirements.”
Belfort appreciated the opportunity at redemption.
“I want to prove to the commission that I am a great fighter who follows the rules,” he said.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, Sonnen received a two-year suspension from the NAC after a disciplinary hearing.
Sonnen, who announced his retirement after he failed two drug tests within a two-week period, will be required to pay any costs associated with the random drug tests he failed May 24 and June 5 and be expected to work with the NAC on educating fighters and the commission on performance-enhancing drugs and drug testing.
Sonnen acknowledged his mistakes. “I am guilty. I am ashamed, and I don’t have any attempt to put up a defense,” he said.
Sonnen, who would be 39 at the conclusion of his suspension, would be required to appear before the commission should he wish to apply for reinstatement.
Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj.