Anderson Silva: ‘I have not taken any performance-enhancing drugs’

Anderson Silva has broken his silence over his failed drug test on Jan. 9. Below is a statement from Silva, provided by his manager Ed Soares:

“I’ve been competing in this sport for a very long time.  This is my nineteenth 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 stance on drugs is, and will always be, the same.  I’m an advocate for a clean sport.

“I’m consulting with my advisors right now to explore all of 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.”

Silva tested positive for Drostanolone metabolites in a Jan. 9 out-of-competition drug test, as well as the banned substance Androstane, according to Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) executive director Bob Bennett. Drostanolone is a common form of anabolic steroid. Androstane is a form of endogenous steroid hormone. Both substances are banned according to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

Silva is expected to face a temporary suspension at a Feb. 17 hearing in Nevada, with a disciplinary hearing to follow in either March or April.

The results of Silva’s out-of-competition test on Jan. 19, as well as a in-competition test on Jan. 31, have yet to be released by the NAC.

Officially, the 39-year-old Silva defeated Nick Diaz, who also tested positive for marijuana metabolites following the fight, Saturday night at UFC 183, however, the NAC might overturn that result at the disciplinary hearing.

The NAC maintains they only received the results of the Jan. 9 test on Feb. 3, three days after UFC 183.

Anderson Silva has broken his silence over his failed drug test on Jan. 9. Below is a statement from Silva, provided by his manager Ed Soares:

“I’ve been competing in this sport for a very long time.  This is my nineteenth 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 stance on drugs is, and will always be, the same.  I’m an advocate for a clean sport.

“I’m consulting with my advisors right now to explore all of 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.”

Silva tested positive for Drostanolone metabolites in a Jan. 9 out-of-competition drug test, as well as the banned substance Androstane, according to Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) executive director Bob Bennett. Drostanolone is a common form of anabolic steroid. Androstane is a form of endogenous steroid hormone. Both substances are banned according to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

Silva is expected to face a temporary suspension at a Feb. 17 hearing in Nevada, with a disciplinary hearing to follow in either March or April.

The results of Silva’s out-of-competition test on Jan. 19, as well as a in-competition test on Jan. 31, have yet to be released by the NAC.

Officially, the 39-year-old Silva defeated Nick Diaz, who also tested positive for marijuana metabolites following the fight, Saturday night at UFC 183, however, the NAC might overturn that result at the disciplinary hearing.

The NAC maintains they only received the results of the Jan. 9 test on Feb. 3, three days after UFC 183.