UFC 175: Vitor Belfort issues full statement admitting failed drug test: 'I have nothing to hide...'

Vitor Belfort will appear before the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) on June 17, 2014, to apply for his license to compete against Chael Sonnen at the upcoming UFC 175 pay-per-view (PPV) event on July 5, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

And before doing so, wants to set the record straight on his surprise drug test from last February.

While Team "Phenom" was adamant that his results were "irrelevant" in the grand scheme of things -- which UFC President Dana White tried to spin as "inconclusive" -- Belfort has today (June 6) released a full statement admitting he was over the allowable limit for competition.

From his official Instagram account:

In anticipation for my hearing before the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), I want to address questions concerning a drug test I took back on February 7, 2014, that was requested by the NSAC.

At the time that test was taken, I was considering filing for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) from the NSAC. While I had not made formal application for a TUE, the NSAC nonetheless requested I take the test and I willingly complied. I further confirmed to the NSAC, in writing, the widely known fact that I was then presently on TRT and had been for many years leading up to that test and that I had further taken the TRT dosage recommended by my doctors the day prior.

The results of the February 7, 2014, test indicated that my testosterone level was above the therapeutic range. While levels slightly outside the normal therapeutic range are not uncommon for some undergoing a TRT regimen, and my doctors immediately modified my therapy to return me to within the therapeutic range (as you can see the 22nd February test results was normal), I do want to acknowledge that the February 7, 2014 test indicated my level was above the range.

Since that February 7, 2014 test, I have taken several subsequent tests, in late February, March, April and May, and the results of each test indicate my levels were either normal or below normal. To avoid any ambiguity, I am releasing, along with this statement, the results off all the test noted above and will provide the same to NSAC for their consideration as part of my licensing application. I further welcome any additional testing that the NSAC deem appropriate and necessary with respect to being granted the privilege of a license to fight here in the State of Nevada.

Shortly thereafter, on February 27, 2014, the NSAC banned all TRT and I stopped my TRT treatment that very same day. Now that I am applying for a license in Nevada, I don't want any clouds hanging over my ability to compete and I understand it is my responsibility to prove to the NSAC that I have the requisite to be licensed in Nevada.

I truly appreciate and thank the Commission for considering my application, and I look forward to providing any information and answering any questions that the NSAC might have on June 17. And if the NSAC sees fit to grant my application, I look forward to fighting on July 5, 2014 in Las Vegas and again proving that I am one of the best fighters in the world.

UFC color commentator Joe Rogan let the cat out of the bag just a few days back.

It's important to note that at the time of testing, Belfort had not yet applied for his license to fight, nor did he submit paperwork requesting a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) -- which has since been outlawed -- so there was no punishment to be handed down.

In short, they tested a guy for TRT and found ... lots of TRT.

His normal testosterone registered 1472, well outside the permissible range of 348-1197, while his free testosterone -- related to performance -- was over 50, in a range that only allows 8.7-25.1.

See a photocopy of his failed exam here as well as copies of his follow-up tests -- with dramatic fluctuations -- here.

Since the controversial treatment has been banned, Belfort -- in addition to UFC 175 opponent Chael Sonnen -- has scrapped TRT and soldiered on au naturale. How that change affects either performance -- or if Belfort can even get licensed -- remains to be seen.

Stay tuned.