Vitor Belfort admits elevated testosterone found in NSAC random test

Four months after being removed from a May title fight with middleweight champion Chris Weidman, Vitor Belfort today revealed a random drug test earlier this year found elevated levels of testosterone.

Belfort, who released a formal statement via his Twitter and Instagram accounts, said he was considering an application for a therapeutic-use exemption with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, who oversaw the event. But the results of a drug test requested by the commission raised a red flag.

Belfort on Friday said the random test had levels above the allowable range. Because he was not licensed in the state at the time, and was not applying for a license yet, the NSAC could not release the results. But with an application hearing coming up for Belfort next week, the fighter on Friday got out in front of any results that might be made public through that process.

Belfort will be applying for a license to fight Chael Sonnen at the July 5 UFC 175 event at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. He took that fight when the UFC pulled Wanderlei Silva from the bout after Silva apparently skipped out on a random drug test nearly two weeks ago.

Here is Belfort’s complete statement:
“In anticipation for my hearing before the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), I want to address questions concerning a drug test I took back on February 7, 2014, that was requested by the NSAC.

“At the time that test was taken, I was considering filing for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) from the NSAC. While I had not made formal application for a TUE, the NSAC nonetheless requested I take the test and I willingly complied. I further confirmed to the NSAC, in writing, the widely known fact that I was then presently on TRT and had been for many years leading up to that test and that I had further taken the TRT dosage recommended by my doctors the day prior.

“The results of the February 7, 2014, test indicated that my testosterone level was above the therapeutic range. While levels slightly outside the normal therapeutic range are not uncommon for some undergoing a TRT regimen, and my doctors immediately modified my therapy to return me to within the therapeutic range (as you can see the 22nd February test results was normal), I do want to acknowledge that the February 7, 2014 test indicated my level was above the range.

“Since that February 7, 2014 test, I have taken several subsequent tests, in late February, March, April and May, and the results of each test indicate my levels were either normal or below normal. To avoid any ambiguity, I am releasing, along with this statement, the results of all the test noted above and will provide the same to NSCA for their consideration as part of my licensing application. I further welcome any additional testing that the NSAC deems appropriate and necessary with respect to being granted the privilege of a license to fight here in the State of Nevada.

“Shortly thereafter, on February 27, 2014, the NSAC banned all TRT and I stopped my TRT treatment that very same day. Now I am applying for a license in Nevada. I don’t want any clouds hanging over my ability to compete and I understand it is my responsibility to prove to the NSAC that I have the requisite fitness to be licensed in Nevada.

“I truly appreciate and thank the Commission for considering my application, and I look forward to providing any information and answering any questions that the NSAC might have on June 17. And if the NSAC sees fit to grant my application, I look forward to fighting on July 5, 2014 in Las Vegas and again proving that I am one of the best fighters in the world.”

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