In a shocking development, Yahoo Sports today revealed that former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has tested positive for a duo of anabolic steroids, Drostanolone and Androstane. Less surprisingly, Nick Diaz also tested positive for marijuana once again, however the 31-year old’s use of medicinal marijuana is well documented.
Silva vs. Diaz headlined UFC 183 on Jan. 31 with the Brazilian taking a unanimous decision victory upon his return from a horrific leg break suffered in his Dec. 28 bout with current middleweight champion Chris Weidman.
39-year-old Silva (34-6) is reported to have failed an out-of-competition drug test conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Jan. 9, but it’s claimed that the Sports Medicine Research & Testing Laboratory did not provide the commission with results until yesterday, Feb. 3.
Adding to the scandal, Commission chairman Francisco Aguilar reportedly stated that he would not have allowed Silva to fight, had he been provided with the results earlier.
UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones failed his own out-of-competition drug test back in December, testing positive for cocaine metabolites, but was allowed to go on and face Daniel Cormier on Jan. 3 at UFC 182. Jones tested positive for cocaine which is not considered a banned substance for out-of-competition fighters, while Silva was flagged for banned performance enhancers.
Furthermore, the results of Silva’s post-fight drug test are yet to be released.
The UFC issued a statement:
On February 3, 2015, the UFC organization was notified by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that Anderson Silva tested positive for Drostanolone metabolites on his Jan. 9 out of competition drug test. UFC’s understanding is that further testing will be conducted by the Commission to confirm these preliminary results. Anderson Silva has been an amazing champion and a true ambassador of the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC, in Brazil as well as around the world. UFC is disappointed to learn of these initial results. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by its athletes.
The man who many consider as the greatest mixed martial artist to ever compete will likely face a nine month suspension, but is required to attend a disciplinary hearing on Feb. 17. In contrast, Diaz (26-10-1NC) will be disciplined for a third time due to his use of marijuana.
Silva recently stated that he would not participate in the UFC’s sponsorship deal with Reebok, claiming that to endorse a brand of which he doesn’t wear would be lying to fans.
Silva has not provided an official statement, however MMAFighting.com have reported that Silva is upset and disappointed, but maintains his innocence, according to Dr. Marcio Tannure, who is both the medical director of the Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission, and Silva’s doctor.
Photo by Mark Blundell
