Sherdog’s Top 10: MMA Scandals

8. Vitor Belfort’s TRT Use, Alleged UFC Cover-Up

Belfort has always been one of MMA’s most entertaining fighters, his raw power and blinding hand speed making him a fan favorite for nearly two decades. However, “The Phenom” has been stuck under a dark cloud of PED use for years. The former UFC light heavyweight champion was fined and suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission following a positive test for anabolic steroids in 2006. When he returned, age and mileage had begun to catch up to him, leading Belfort to turn to testosterone replacement therapy. Once he started the treatment, his career took off again and he looked better than he had in years.

Faced with mounting public pressure, the Ultimate Fighting Championship began its crusade to eliminate all PED use, including TRT, a controversial treatment in which Belfort was still involved. Speculation throughout the sport held that the UFC not only knew about Belfort’s continued reliance on TRT but embraced it and perhaps even worse. Former Sherdog.com Editor Josh Gross published an article on Deadspin that claimed the UFC covered up Belfort’s test for elevated testosterone prior to his fight with Jon Jones at UFC 152; according to the report, the promotion had accidentally emailed the test results to other fighters, trainers and managers. The UFC denied all wrongdoing, including its alleged attempt to force the accidental recipients to delete the emails.

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