NAC approves Belfort's license application to fight at UFC 187
The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) has approved Vitor Belfort's license application to fight at UFC 187.
With the commission granting Belfort a license on Monday, "The Phenom" (or "The Young Dinosaur," or whatever he's called now) is set to challenge Chris Weidman for the UFC middleweight title on May 23.
Belfort, who underwent testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) until it was banned by the NAC and subsequently outlawed by the UFC, claims to have taken seven random drug tests since his bout with Weidman was initially announced in 2014.
The NAC promised Belfort he'd be subject to frequent drug screenings after he failed a test for elevated levels of testosterone last February (the second failed test of his career).
"In the beginning it was hard," Belfort told MMAFighting.com's Shaun Al-Shatti about competing without TRT. "But I believe in hard work. I don't believe things are easy. I thank God for giving me the strength that I need, the perseverance. I've been relentless in my training, so that's it.
"I see us as a team," Belfort added. "I've been doing this for 20 years. Twenty years ago I was the youngest champion in the UFC, and I'm about to get my third title on May 23. So I'm willing to work with you guys 100-percent.
"Anything you need from me, I'm willing, and I'm thankful. I'm thankful for this opportunity."