UFC 173 News: Vitor Belfort Pulls Out Of Title Fight; Brazilian Lyoto Machida To Face Middleweight Champion Chris Wideman

Due to the changes in policy passed down by the Nevada State Athletic Commission regarding testosterone replacement therapy -- which was banned in combat sporting events Thursday -- Brazilian MMA fighter and former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort removed himself from the upcoming middleweight title contest at UFC 173 against undefeated Chris Wideman. Though Belfort has been involved with the controversial TRT program in recent times, the 36-year-old will not participate in the May 24 fight at in Las Vegas but did say this week that he will no longer continue with his TRT regimen.

“The Nevada State Athletic Commission recently altered its policy and no longer will permit testosterone use exemptions, and will not permit a TRT program,” Belfort, who owns a career record of 24 wins and 10 losses, said recently. “As other jurisdictions may follow suit, I am going to drop my TRT program and compete in MMA without it. Given the time constraints involved between now and my proposed next bout in May, I have determined not to apply for a license to fight in Nevada at this time.”

With Belfort exiting the highly anticipated 185-pound championship match, fellow Brazilian Lyoto Machida will now have the opportunity to do something no fighter has been able to accomplish inside the octagon against Wideman. A fairly new member to the middleweight division, the former UFC Light Middleweight champion hopes to continue his recent success with another victory, this time against a highly talented opponent who holds a career record of 11-0. “I'm really excited for this opportunity to fight UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman," Machida, who is 21-4 in his career, said. "I'm going to train hard and be well prepared for this fight.”

While Machida looks forward to the upcoming match, Chris Wideman said recently that he’s anticipating a strong battle between the two, noting that he’s been monitoring the Brazilian since Machida dropped down to the 185-pound division. “Machida is a dangerous fighter and he knows what it takes to become champion,” Weidman said. “He’s been on my radar since he dropped to 185, so I’m looking forward to defending my title against him in May.”

Coming off back-to-back victories over Anderson Silva, Wideman will now have over two months to prepare for the May 24 fight, which will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.