5 Reasons NSAC Should Have Declined Vitor Belfort's License Request

By Jay Anderson /

1. Legacy Has Nothing To Do With It

At the conclusion of Vitor Belfort's licensing hearing today, NSAC commissioner Bill Brady said to the fighter "I believe your legacy will be determined from here forward. I hope that that's outstanding. I wish you the best in accomplishing that." What? This isn't about legacy. Yes, Belfort is a legendary fighter, but I recall a certain cyclist being legendary before being stripped of all titles not all that long ago. Do we care about his legacy, or about cleaning up the sport? Belfort's status as a fighter should have no bearing on the NSAC's decision. It should be his character and actions that are judged, and so far, he has failed on both accounts. That said, he will - should he pass the required drug tests - meet Chris Weidman this December at UFC 181 for the middleweight title.