Middleweight Bruno Silva was expected to take on Deron Winn at UFC Greenville, but was removed from the card.
The M-1 Challenge middleweight champion will have to wait a little longer for his UFC debut.
Originally scheduled to take on Deron Winn at UFC Greenville, Bruno Silva was added to the card after his fellow Brazilian Markus Perez was forced out of the bout with an injury, but was then removed from the fight himself due to undisclosed reasons earlier this week.
‘Blindado’ released a statement which explained why he was off the card on such short notice. The statement, which was published by MMA Fighting, explains that Silva failed an out-of-competition USADA test, testing positive for a banned substance.
Furthermore, Bruno thanked his fans for the support and claimed he did not take the substance intentionally. The entire statement can be read below.
“As many of you know, I had to give up on my fight on June 22nd. I want to apologize to my opponent because I know how difficult it is to cancel the fight days before the event. Throughout my career in MMA I have been very transparent. Last week I received an email from USADA stating that a prohibited substance was found in my most recent test from May 5, 2019. I have requested a new test of my B sample to confirm this substance that was found in the sample I provided on May 5, 2019. “
“I have also given a sample with a private examination that will be promptly clarified. Donna Marcolini from the UFC believes in me that I did not intentionally take a banned substance and is helping me with my case. I am also cooperated fully with USADA.”
“I know, without a doubt, that I did everything according to the standards established by USADA. I have faith in USADA that this situation will be resolved in a timely manner and that I will be cleared of any wrongdoing. For all my fans and supporters, thank you. I assure you that I did not disappoint you.”
Currently, Bruno Silva (19-6) is on a four-fight winning streak, all by way of knockout, including a victory over former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko. The 29-year-old’s last loss happened in December 2016, when he was tapped out by Moise Rimbon at Phoenix Fighting Championship – Phoenix 1.
UFC Fight Night 154 is scheduled to take place in Greenville, South Carolina, on June 22. The card will be headlined by a featherweight bout between contenders Renato Moicano and Chan Sung Jung.