Brazilian Comission Explain Belfort’s TRT Exemption Following Clean UFC On FX 8 Drug Test Results

After UFC on FX 8 questions were immediately raised about Vitor Belfort‘s TRT exemptions. The former champion came under fire from the media at the post fight press conference, and the forums have been going wild about the Brazilian’s use of testosterone.

Following a clean UFC on FX 8 drug screen, the Brazilian Athletic Comission’s medical director, Marcio Tannure, has weighed in on the subject. He spoke to Fightersonlymag.com to clarify his stance on the issue:

“I can’t say what was the cause of his hypogonadism, what happened and what didn’t, because we don’t know that. And there are several possible causes for this condition.First because, as I said, we can’t determine the cause of the disease. By saying this, you would be affirming that this was the cause of Vitor’s condition.”

It is well known that Belfort claims that his use of TRT is purely for medical purposes, but many people argue that it is an advantage in a dangerous sport. I feel like everyone should be on a level playing field, especially in a sport where so much is on the line. Marcio continued, clarifying the difference between steroids and TRT:

“The athlete who gets caught using steroids will be punished and suspended, as happened to him and others. So it was not and would not be unpunished, in all cases.There are androgenic and anabolic hormones and, in fact, people do not know the difference between them. If, at some point, Vitor Belfort gets caught in a drug test with an anabolic hormone, he will be punished again like any other fighter. But he is currently using an androgenic hormone, specific for replacement.”

Belfort is unable to gain a license to fight in Nevada at the moment, the NSAC has denied him the chance due to his prior bust for using PED’s. Although that was a long time ago, the NSAC are sticking to their guns-something that could give Belfort and the UFC‘s promoters a bit of a headache. The Brazilian athletic commission based their rulings on that of the NSAC’s, so how does that work out?

“…not that we follow their decisions, but for being the oldest and most acting Commission, the NSAC was the model we used to start ours.”

My feeling on the Belfort vs. NSAC situation is as follows; they should let him bang, bro. He served his punishment when he got caught juicing, he is working under the regulations now, and it seems pretty pointless banning him from the biggest venue that his promotion has to offer, while every other commission (even those based on the NSAC) allow him to fight. Furthermore, Alistair Overeem has been granted his NSAC license, after multiple attempts to flee drug tests the Heavyweight K-1 champion was finally outed. Yet he is allowed to compete after such a recent infraction.

Josh Barnett is another name that springs to mind, Nate Marquardt, Chael Sonnen so what is the difference between these guys and Belfort?

Any thoughts? Stay tuned to Lowkick!