Vitor Belfort Out Of UFC 175, Luke Rockhold and ‘Jacare’ Waiting For Him At UFC 177
It’s been a wild couple of days and weeks for the UFC, as three fighters – Chael Sonnen, Wanderlei Silva, and Vitor Belfort – have filled the news with their tales of post-TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) woes.
As was announced yesterday (June 10), Chael Sonnen was tested positive by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for banned substances. Subsequent to the commission’s findings, the fighter was removed from his upcoming July 5, UFC 175 fight, with Vitor Belfort.
In defending himself in the media, Sonnen stated that it was his intention to appeal NSAC’s ruling. However, “The American Gangster” – today – elected to hang up his gloves and retire. The decision ends both Sonnen’s career and any need for the fighter to explain himself before the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
As to Sonnen’s July 5 opponent, Vitor Belfort, Ariel Helwani has been ‘tweeting’ up a storm of news regarding the Brazilian legend.
First, the UFC has officially removed “The Phenom” from the UFC 175 card, with the reason being that the promotion has been unable to find an opponent for Belfort.
Vitor Belfort has been removed from UFC 175 consideration because the promotion couldn’t find a new opponent for him, per @KevinI.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 12, 2014
Further, news has broken that NSAC has decided to remove Belfort from their June 17 (hearings) agenda. According to NSAC, Belfort was removed from their slate as a result of the UFC pulling him from UFC 175. The logic being, that if “The Phenom” doesn’t have a fight coming up and won’t be seeking a license, there’s no reason for him to appear before the commission. No date was given for any rescheduling of the fighter’s appearance before NSAC.
Nevada commission tells me Belfort was removed from the 6/17 agenda because he’s off UFC 175 and they already have a full slate.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 12, 2014
NAC has decided to address Belfort at a later date. When exactly is TBD.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 12, 2014
In terms of what’s next for Belfort, apparently middleweights Luke Rockhold and Ronaldo Souza are interested in having a go at the Brazilian terror. Leading the way on the charge is the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) team member, Rockhold.
Luke Rockhold, ‘Jacare’ Souza, both lobby for Vitor Belfort fight http://t.co/MGaqq0uzSb #UFC
— UFC Tonight (@UFCTonight) June 12, 2014
The No. 5 ranked AKA fighter wants to face down the No. 3 ranked Belfort in Nevada for UFC 177 in Las Vegas. The card is supposed to transpire on August 30. However, the event is yet to be officially confirmed. According to Rockhold, he wants the fight in “Sin City” because he “loves what the commission (has been) doing lately.”
More on @LukeRockhold: he really, really wants to fight Belfort in Nevada because he loves what the commission has been doing as of late.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 12, 2014
As to “Jacare” Souza, he’d be more than happy to face Belfort. However, he appears to have a greater interest in facing off against the No. 7 ranked Gegard Mousasi.
RT @SaintMMA: @arielhelwani reports Rockhold wants Belfort in LV 8/30, but so does Jacare. Jacare more interested in Mousasi than Rockhold.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 12, 2014
All in all, it’s been a heck of a ride for fans over the last few months and all they can hope is that the UFC’s TRT problems are now behind them, and that the promotion can get back to the business of putting on (clean) fights. Here’s hoping for a licensed Vitor Belfort vs. Luke Rockhold in late August.