TRT ban leads to new main event
(TheSpread) – Following a blockbuster announcement that the NSAC will ban testosterone-replacement therapy, the main event of UFC 173 has changed.
On Thursday, the Nevada State Athletic Commission unanimously voted in favor of banning TRT, a procedure many MMA stars were delving into that raised questions about a level playing field. According to ESPN.com, the UFC supports the decision and is encouraging all athletic commissions to follow suit.
Following the ruling, Vitor Belfort, a known TRT user and the man originally scheduled to face UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 173 on May 24, pulled himself from the bout due to concerns over stopping the TRT program so close to the fight.
With Belfort stepping out, the UFC announced that former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida will now face Weidman for the middleweight strap on May 24.
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the opening odds for the new main event have Weidman favored to retain his title, but not by much. Weidman has been given odds of -160 to win, while Machida has a money line of +140.
UFC 173 will take place on Saturday, May 24 live on PPV from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The card will begin on PPV at 10PM ET.
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