Vitor Belfort's next fight will be against Chris Weidman, as he sets his sights on proving that he is "a great fighter who follows the rules."
In a report by FOX Sports, "The Phenom" was cleared by the Nevada Athletic Commission to return to competition after a hearing for his failed drug test in February. The recent turn of events has awarded him with a title shot against reigning middleweight champion Chris Weidman.
Vitor Belfort's next fight against Chris Weidman is scheduled to take place on December 6th for UFC 181, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
The Athletic Commission granted "The Phenom" the clearance to compete again, but under three conditions: (1) he cannot fight until December, (2) he must subject himself to undergo random drug testing for his future fights, and (3) he cannot fight anywhere else but Nevada.
Vitor Belfort himself spoke about the matter, and gave the assurance that he has always complied with the regulations.
"The reason I'm here, I'm open, I'm reasonable, I think that's what I'm looking for," Belfort stated. "Not just with me, but with the sport, the fighters, whoever wants to be in the spotlight, fight for a title, be something, they gotta follow the rules."
"The Phenom" was suspended for having components of the controversial Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in his system. The 37-year old Brazilian fighter clarified, however, that he was granted a TRT exemption in his home country.
But now that all is said and done, the UFC veteran is ready to move on.
"When we are moving by will, some people have skills and some people have will," Belfort said. "I have a will. God gave me a talent. I have a mission and my mission in the sport is be an example, be a role model and fulfill my dream."
Vitor Belfort's next fight will be another shot at middleweight gold. And for "The Phenom", it will be all about proving himself once again.
"I want to prove to the commission that I am a great fighter who follows the rules," Belfort declared.
