Sports

Chris Weidman gets new foe for UFC 173

Lyoto Machida has stepped in to face middleweight champ and Long Islander Chris Weidman after Vitor Belfort, a known user of Testosterone Replacement Therapy, could not receive an exemption for the treatment for the upcoming UFC 173 clash.

The replacement came after the Nevada State Athletic Commission ruled TRT as a banned substance, forcing such UFC fighters as Dan Henderson, Frank Mir, and would-be middleweight title contender Belfort to drop the controversial treatment in order to get licensed to fight.

“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 released in a statement on Thursday. “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.”

Machida is undefeated at 185 pounds, having recently defeated dangerous striker Gegard Mousasi on Feb. 15 and brutally knocking out Mark Munoz in October.

Weidman will defending his title for the second time after defeating longtime middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva due to a devastating leg injury.

UFC 173 will be held May 24 in Las Vegas.