Lyoto Machida has come to the aid of his fellow Brazilian and stated that Vitor Belfort is the logical contender for a middleweight title shot after UFC 175.

The former light-heavyweight champion, who is scheduled to challenge Chris Weidman for the 185lb. title at UFC 175, thinks that his fellow former champion has done enough to prove that he deserves another crack at the title.

"Logically, he's next in line," Machida told FOX Sports through an interpreter. "I believe so. He's next in line."

It should be noted that Belfort does not have a license to fight in the State of Nevada.

Machida also denied the suggestion that Weidman was not worthy of being middleweight champion, and stated that he did not consider his wins to be flukes.

"There's no doubt he's the champion," Machida said. "He's the best there is in the weight class right now. He won those fights. You can't take away those merits."

UFC 175 takes place July 5 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.