Is Silva’s legacy tainted after steroid fail?
Following their epic UFC 183 fight over the weekend, reports have surfaced that both headlining fighters Anderson Silva & Nick Diaz have both failed drug tests. Unfortunately for the brand, this is a direct follow-up to light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones tested positive for Cocaine last month. Diaz comes as no surprise to us (watch the match), as he tested positive for marijuana metabolites after the fight.
This marks his third failed test in the state of Nevada, which he could face harsher punishment from the Nevada State Athletic Commission this February 17th being a repeat offender. However, the big report of this story is arguably the greatest fighter of all time, Anderson Silva has tested positive for the steroid drostanolone.
His test was conducted January 9 from the N.S.A.C. and was mysteriously surfaced 72 hours after last weekend’s big fight. He also tested positive for a second steroid, androstane, which is the first time he’s ever been caught for a banned substance in his 18-year career. While Silva is likely to receive a slap on the wrist, Diaz has already received a one-year suspension in 2012 and could be receiving an imminent longer banning.
Below, you can read UFC’s issued statements on both fighters.
“The UFC has been notified by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that Nick Diaz has tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his fight with Anderson Silva at UFC 183 on Jan. 31 in Las Vegas, Nev. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. As a result of his positive test, Diaz has been informed that he has violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. The UFC organization will fully respect the Commission’s decision relating to Diaz at a hearing set for February 17.”
“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.”
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