UFC
Vitor Belfort's February drug test result not yet released, but likely to be involved in licensing procedure
Mar 5, 2014 - 10:30:14 PM Vitor Belfort's February drug test result not yet released, but likely to be involved in licensing procedure

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

The results of Vitor Belfort's random drug test in Nevada on Feb. 7 haven't been released, and his attorney has stated in multiple interviews that the result is irrelevant with Belfort not applying for a license anymore for UFC 173.

However, it will become quite relevant whenever Belfort applies for another fight license in any jurisdiction.

According to a report from FoxSports.com, any commission looking to license Belfort for a fight is going to be interested in the results of that test, which could play into whether or not he then receives a license to fight.

Said one anonymous commission leader, "I would consider a failure to supply [the results] a disqualifier for licensure."

Further, with Belfort turning 37 this year, he'd be subject to an automatic commission review, at least in Nevada, in order to receive a license, according to NAC board member Francisco Aguilar.

"It's a unique situation with Belfort, because he's what's called a comprehensive review," Aguilar said. "Because of his age, he has to go before a full vote of the commission. There's no option for an administrative review."

Penick's Analsysis: It still doesn't make sense for Belfort and his camp to not release the drug test unless he failed. And if he failed, then whenever he applies for a license somewhere, that test failure can be taken into account and he can be denied a license and not be able to apply again for nine months to a year from that. It's what happened to Alistair Overeem, and the longer he delays in attempting to get a license should that test be positive for anything, the worse off it will be for him and the UFC.