Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has tested positive for steroids. On January 9th, in an out-of-competition drug test, Silva tested positive for both Drostanolone, which is a form of anabolic steroid and Androstane, a form of endogenous steroid hormone.
Silva, who is now 39 years of age, defeated former Strikeforce middleweight champion Nick Diaz via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 183 on January 31st.
According to Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett, Silva was tested a total of three times, two out-of-competition blood tests, which were administered on January 9th and 19th, and an in-competition urine test, which took place on January 31st. Bennett also stated that Silva had passed the urine test, but result of the January 19th blood test is still pending.
Silva will attend a commission meeting in Nevada on February 17th, where he will likely receive a temporary suspension, according to Nevada Athletic Commission chairman Francisco Aguilar, and a full hearing on the matter will likely take place in March or April.
The UFC released an officical statement on Tuesday in regards to Silva’s failed drug test:
“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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