UFC 187 -- Chris Weidman versus Vitor Belfort preview

— -- When Vitor Belfort enters the Octagon on Saturday for the first time since Nov. 9, 2013, it will be impossible not to notice his smaller physique.

Belfort (24-10) is challenging Chris Weidman for the UFC middleweight title in the UFC 187 co-main event inside MGM Grand Garden Arena. The 38-year-old former champion has not fought since testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) was widely banned in combat sports last year. In 2013, he fought three times with approved TRT use. All three fights took place in Brazil, and all three resulted in knockout victories.

Since the Nevada State Athletic Commission banned TRT in February 2014, Belfort has stated he has stopped using it. His physical appearance has noticeably changed during that time. His own coach admits it.

"I see the difference in his physique," Blackzilians striking coach Henri Hooft told ESPN.com. "What I say to Vitor is, 'It doesn't matter how you look. It matters what technique you have.'

"Vitor is technically good. Maybe in his head, he feels he's less strong [than in 2013], but it's a year later now. I still see him doing very fast punches and kicks. His camp has been the same preparations as before. We take a little bit more rest now. Maybe that's a difference. We rest more, but that's also just because we want to keep him healthy because this fight has been canceled three times already."

Weidman (12-0), who once referred to Belfort as a "juice head," acknowledged Belfort's smaller physique, but says a smaller Belfort might not equal a less dangerous Belfort.

"If you watch Vitor's fights throughout his career, there are some fights he's jacked out of his mind and there are some fights he's not," Weidman said. "I don't know if he was off his cycle or whatever -- but the times when he was a lot slimmer, he looked good.

"I'm expecting a guy who is maybe not going to have as much cardio problems because there's not as much muscle and is more free to do what he feels and follows his instincts. I'm very prepared for a tough fight."

One expectation of Belfort's discontinued TRT use was that his testosterone levels would plummet, but according to recent test results, that hasn't been the case.

In multiple tests submitted to the NSAC, Belfort has actually had higher testosterone levels than Weidman. In all tests, Belfort's testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio, which can be indicative of synthetic testosterone use, remained well below the limit.

Although the once-loud roar regarding TRT use in combat sports has dulled, the specific question of how Belfort looks off the treatment remains unanswered until Saturday. Those close to him say they aren't worried about the result.

"If you have punches and kicks like him, you are in every fight," Hooft said. "I'm happy that a year has gone by and people are not always asking me questions about the TRT. I'm not a doctor; I'm just seeing what my guys are doing in the gym and I think Vitor will be good the day of the fight."

ODDS: Weidman minus-525, Belfort plus-415

BREAKDOWN: Belfort has been fighting professionally for nearly 19 years. One constant throughout his career has been an ability to finish a fight early.

Belfort holds the UFC record for finishes in the first round with 12. And in 19 years of pro fighting, he has never experienced a fifth round.

Just because he has never been in a fifth round doesn't mean he can't be effective in one -- but ultimately, it's obvious Weidman will hold advantages if this fight goes the distance. Weidman fights with a constant pressure, his wrestling will be harder to defend late and age is on his side (Belfort is 38; Weidman is 30).

Not only is Belfort the third Brazilian opponent Weidman will have faced ( Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida being the other two), he is also the third consecutive southpaw. Belfort will counter with the left hand and blitz with combinations, which is what he's best known for. His speed is terrific but he's also clever, picking up an opponent's timing and catching him with the perfect strike.

He's not especially mobile, however, and Weidman should have plenty of opportunities to get this fight to the floor. Belfort is a threat off his back but Weidman's submission defense and ground-and-pound technique are exceptional. As good as Belfort's hips are on the floor, he'll be in trouble if Weidman puts him on his back.

PREDICTION: This fight is more than one year in the making. The momentum of Belfort's three knockouts in 2013 is basically gone and Weidman (who has always been confident) looks even more convinced than usual that this fight is a done deal. I see mostly one-way traffic here, in favor of the champ, especially once he takes Belfort down. Weidman via submission in the third round.