UFC middleweight contender Vitor Belfort believes testosterone replacement therapy was banned in MMA for all the wrong reasons, but with or without the aid of the controversial treatment, he believes he will still capture UFC gold.

“The Phenom” explained his stance on TRT, as well as the upcoming 185-pound championship bout between Chris Weidman and Lyoto Machida, in a recent interview with Sensei Sportv.

"I feel like an animal," Belfort said. "The Holy Spirit gives me everything I need. I’m training like an animal. Nobody trains harder than me.”

“People say ‘oh, so you should retire.’ Yeah, you want me to retire so you won’t get knocked out. I won’t retire. I will be back and I will win."

"It makes no sense that (Machida) is fighting for the title. Jacare should be the one (fighting Weidman)," Belfort exclaimed. "…Whoever has the belt will be my next opponent. That’s a fact."

Belfort was originally pegged to face Weidman in a title tilt at UFC 173 on May 24 in Las Vegas, but was passed over in favor of Machida shortly after the Nevada State Athletic Commission banned TRT.

As the result of the champ requiring minor knee surgery, Machida will now fight “The All-American” at UFC 175 on July 5.

Belfort is currently the winner of three straight, all knockouts, over top-tier competition in Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold and Dan Henderson.

The 37-year-old Brazilian slugger is yet to get his next assignment after making short work of “Hendo” in November, which will likely not happen until he is licensed by the NSAC.