Mrs. Belfort: Vitor next in line for MW title shot

Vitor Belfort was the hottest fighter in mixed martial arts, with three wins in a row, all by head kick knockout. A title shot vs. Chris Weidman was scheduled for UFC 173. Then the Nevada State Athletic Commission banned the use of Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Belfort had previously received a Therapeutic Use Exemption for it, and “The Phenom” withdrew from the fight, citing the need to transition off TRT

Belfort was replaced with Lyoto Machida and, following a delay for surgery, the fight was rescheduled for UFC 175 on July 5.

When Wanderlei Silva literally ran from a surprise test for Performance Enhancing Drugs, he was pulled from a several-times-delayed fight with Chael Sonnen, and replaced by Belfort. Then Sonnen was surprise PED tested, and one of the drugs he was taking to wean his body from TRT was also banned. Sonnen subsequently retired.

Now Ariel Helwani reported on UFC Tonight on Wednesday night that Vitor Belfort’s wife Joana Prado says that the UFC wants Belfort to fight the winner of Chris Weidman vs. Lyoto Machida.

Belfort has yet to be licensed by the NSAC, which may not be a simple process.