The news that Anderson Silva failed a pre-fight drug test due to the anabolic steroids Drostanolone and Androstane shook MMA to its core. While the court of public opinion can be swift in its judgment, the UFC, at least for a little while, stood behind its embattled former middleweight champion.
No more, it seems.
The UFC announced Monday that Silva is to be pulled off The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4, which began filming February 2. He will be replaced by legendary Pride veteran Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. The move comes at the behest of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, who requested Silva be removed from the show due to the temporary suspension placed on him following UFC 183.
From the statement:
The Nevada State Athletic Commission, which regulates The Ultimate Fighter series’ exhibition fights filmed in Las Vegas, requested that Silva cease participation in the series as a result of his temporary suspension following the recently announced preliminary results of his January 9 pre-fight drug test for UFC® 183.
The UFC and Globo, the show’s Brazilian broadcaster, respect the Commission’s decision, which will allow Silva to focus his attention on the matter before the Commission.
This move is not unusual. The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4 is currently being filmed in Las Vegas under the direction of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, unlike previous seasons of TUF: Brazil, which were filmed in Brazil. Commissions traditionally have a cold relationship with fighters on suspension, and fighters have been asked to leave events in the past even while sitting in the stands attending as fans.
The fighters on TUF: Brazil 4 are in decent hands with Nogueira. The former UFC interim heavyweight champion is a true veteran of the sport and has twice coached on The Ultimate Fighter in the past. His fighters have taken top honors in each tournament they have participated in (winners include Ryan Bader, Efrain Escudero and Leonardo Santos).
Silva is set to appear before the NSAC on February 17 for a preliminary hearing. Check back on that day for updates regarding Silva’s future in the UFC and MMA.
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