Wow.
There’s really no way to beat around the bush here, so let’s get right to it. Last night, it was revealed that Anderson Silva tested positive for two types of anabolic steroids in an out-of-competition drug test given on January 9th. His UFC 183 opponent, Nick Diaz, also tested positive for marijuana metabolites (AGAIN), albeit in in his UFC 183 post-fight drug test.
Son. of. a. bitch.
According to an official statement released by the UFC last night, Silva tested positive for both Drostanolone and Androsterone just a little over a month out from his UFC 183 headliner
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.
Likewise, the UFC released this statement on Diaz’s failed test:
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 final decision relating to Diaz at a disciplinary hearing set for February 17.
I don’t even know what to say. This is unbelievable — the Silva thing, not the Diaz thing. If you didn’t see Diaz’s latest UFC run being cut short by a failed drug test, then I’ve got a bridge to sell you. But even with the evidence so stacked against Silva, I can’t even muster the strength or desire to express my outrage at the GOAT’s decision to tarnish his legacy for a one-off freakshow fight that he never needed to take in the first place. Nor can I feign my outrage at the UFC for releasing that laughably bullshit statement on the issue, or the Nevada State Athletic Commission for once again allowing a fight to take place over a month after one of the fighters was busted by a random drug test. Maybe I’ve just seen this bearded lady one too many times, so to speak, or maybe I’m just getting too old for this shit.
Of course, I imagine the Nevada State Athletic Commission owes us an explanation as to how Silva vs. Diaz was even allowed to happen given Silva’s pre-fight failure. I mean, cocaine is one thing (apparently), but how are they going to explain their latest glaring oversight this time?
Well according to NSAC Chairman Francisco Aguilar, they would have called the fight, but they didn’t get the results in time. Oh, what a world! (via MMAFighting):
I would have had no problem calling the fight once I had this result. Those are not acceptable substances. But at the very least, by doing this out-of-competition test, we found this. We wouldn’t have known had we not done the out-of-competition test.
Oh, and NSAC Director Bob Bennett has also chimed in, calling the turnover rate for these pre-fight drug tests “unacceptable.”
The time lapse is unacceptable. We’ve made arrangements with the lab to make sure we get the results within seven days and they are working hand in glove with us on this.
Oh, well thank God that’s all solved. I’m sure we won’t run into this exact same issue the next time a major UFC pay-per-view is in town.
Bennett’s statement on Silva’s test, as it was with Jones’, is obviously bullshit. Thinly-veiled bullshit. You mean to tell me that the NSAC has been in charge of these tests for as long as they have, and are just now taking the steps to ensure that their pre-fight drug test results arrive before the actual fight is happening? What’s the point of even doing pre-fight test if you don’t get the results back until after the fight is over? WILL SOMEONE, FOR ONCE, JUST ADMIT THAT OUR SPORT IS A FARCE AND STOP TALKING TO US LIKE WE’RE CHILDREN?!!
Among the critics of the NSAC’s blatant incompetence has been Dr. Johnny Benjamin, who took to Twitter to vent his frustrations last night.
And the real answer is simple, Jon. Because then the UFC would have had to cancel two of the biggest events of the year, losing themselves (and the NSAC) millions of dollars in the process.
For what it’s worth, Silva is claiming innocence in the matter. As his doctor, Marcio Tannure, recently told Band News Radio:
Anderson told me he’s disappointed, upset because he didn’t use steroids. He will ask for the confirmation test because he believes the only explanation is a contamination or a mistake from the lab. He told me: ‘I have an impeccable career history and I wouldn’t want to tarnish my image.’
Well, it’s too late for that, Andy.
Silva and Diaz are both expected to appear at a Feb. 17 commission meeting in Nevada. According to Aguilar, a full hearing for Silva is expected to take place at an NAC meeting in either March or April. We will have more on this story as details are made available, but for now, let’s all just pour ourselves a stiff drink and nod in agreement with all of this:
-J. Jones