Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva tested positive for two banned substances (drostanolone metabolites and androsterone) in drug test leading up to his UFC 183 bout against Nick Diaz.
The banned substances were found in a drug test sample Silva submitted on January 9, 22 days before his scheduled fight against Diaz at UFC 183.
The result of the drug test were not received by the Nevada Athletic Commission until Tuesday, which is the reason Silva was allowed to fight this past Saturday night against Diaz.
On Wednesday afternoon, Silva broke his silence and released a statement which he denied using performance enhancing drugs.
“I’ve been competing in this sport for a very long time,” Silva said. “This is my 19th fight in the UFC. I have been thoroughly tested many times and have never had a positive drug test. I have not taken any performance-enhancing drugs. My stances on drug is, and will always be, the same. I am an advocate for a clean sport. I’m consulting with my advisors right now to explore all my options and intend to fight this allegation and clear my name. I will not make any further comments until my team advises me to do so.”
A couple of hours after Silva released his statement, UFC President Dana White gave his first public statement on the positive drug test of Silva. White wants to make sure that Silva receives his due process and he will allow Silva to remain a coach on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil, which is currently filming in Las Vegas.
“Anderson Silva has been one of the greatest athletes this sport has ever seen,” White said. “He has had a long and distinguished career in mixed martial arts. In his nine years with the UFC, Anderson has never tested positive for a banned substance. In light of this, we want to ensure that Anderson gets his due process and we will support him during this time. While this process plays out, Anderson will continue in his role as coach of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil. Of course we will continue to monitor the actions of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.”
“We fully support the Commission’s out-of-competition drug testing program, which we have financed when requested over the past two years. Testing of this nature is important to help keep the sport clean. The director at the laboratory in Salt Lake City has now explained the timing of Anderson’s test results and why the Commission and the UFC did not receive the results until February 3, after the fight.”
“Once all the results have been made public and the Nevada State Athletic Commission has rendered its decision, we will respect the process and move forward accordingly.”
The next Nevada Athletic Commission meeting is scheduled to take place on February 17 in Las Vegas. Silva is expected to be on the meeting agenda, where he will likely receive a temporary suspension for the drug test. In addition, Diaz will also likely be on the agenda for his positive drug test for marijuana.