Although UFC president Dana White assured fans Wanderlei Silva wouldn’t be cut following a report he fled the scene of a random drug test, it’s hard to imagine seeing the Brazilian compete anytime soon.
“There’s no loose ends with Wanderlei,” White told media Thursday. “I think the Wanderlei story is not going to end well. You know how this commission is right now. Always, not just these guys, but always. When you get caught taking performance enhancing drugs you’re gone for a year, or whatever the suspension is, but it’s never good. I think, and I honestly know nothing about what’s going to happen, but I would have to say they’re probably going to make a serious example out of Wanderlei.”
White also believes Silva’s outright refusal to cooperate with Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) officials and undergo the random test put him in worse standing than his would-be opponent Chael Sonnen, who failed his own by testing positive for the banned substances Anastrozole and Clomiphene.
“When the commission shows up to drug test you it is what it is,” said White. “If you’re doing something wrong you’re going to get caught. Running from it just makes you guilty.”
As for Silva’s insistence that his refusal to be tested was due to confusion stemming from a language barrier, White isn’t buying it.
“‘Wait, let me get my lawyer on the phone. Let me get some type of translator here to see what’s going on.’ I love Wanderlei. Wanderlei has always been a great guy. You don’t walk out on a drug test, especially in Nevada.”
For those hoping for Silva to somehow escape punishment in this entire fiasco, feel free to exhale.
“There’s no way in hell [the NSAC] are letting him off,” said White. “No way in hell. They are going to bury Wanderlei Silva. In my humble opinion. They’re going to bury him.”
Silva will reportedly appear before the NSAC Jun. 17 to explain the actions that led to his removal from UFC 175.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Scrum. Dana White talks Chael Sonnen’s retirement, the Diego Sanchez decision in Albuquerque, plans for Invicta FC and more.
‘That’s a very interesting fight.’ Dana White sounds onboard with Nick Diaz coming out of retirement to face Anderson Silva next year.
‘Dodson came across like a fool.’ Demetrious Johnson has some choice words for flyweight contender John Dodson and believes he isn’t next in line for a shot at the title.
High spirits. Carlos Condit on how he’s feeling after knee surgery, when he expects to be back in action and whether or not he considers Tyron Woodley’s victory over him to be a real win.
‘Things’ll never be the same.’ Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney discusses the changes the promotion has made to its tournament format.
MEDIA STEW
Make sure to check out interviews with DJ, Rory MacDonald, Tyron Woodley, Ryan Bader and more in our video section.
UFC 174 Embedded episode 4.
Training Camp with Andrei Arlovski.
Bellator MMA: Uncut – Bellator 120.
Roy Nelson on who has hit him the hardest.
More from Dana.
Nice profile on Invicta’s Jessica Penne.
Long watches.
Joe Rogan Experience #511 – Enson Inoue
..
Darce Side Radio: Joe Lozito, SiriusXM Fight Club’s Ricky Bones
Friday Overflow.
– Complete Interview With Alienware MMA Fighter Felice Herrig
– Things Get REALLY Bloody in Canada in This Week’s Viewer Submissions from “Inside MMA”
– Ronda Rousey Punches & Judo Throws – UFC 175
– UFC Berlin: Behind The Scenes With Nick Hein
TWEETS
High speaks.
Push steroids, not referees. #NOTED
— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) June 12, 2014
IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! Oh well…
— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) June 12, 2014
Congrats.
Just signed a 4-fight deal with @ufc @lunarpages @xyience @askultra @team_munoz #myULTRAlife #5dstosuccess… http://t.co/tHW0rOwwP8
— Mark Muñoz (@mark_munoz) June 12, 2014
Speculate wildly.
Bad times don’t last, but BAD GUYS do…
— chael sonnen (@sonnench) June 13, 2014
FYI.
Just a heads up to the fans just because I endorse the new bellator format change. Does not mean I’m going to be ok with not fight Alvarez
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) June 12, 2014
Another vote.
If I could see any fight this year it would be @SpiderAnderson vs @nickdiaz209 happen. Please @danawhite make it happen!!!
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) June 13, 2014
Fair.
Wanderlei talking trash after Chael retires is pathetic! He did everything he could to avoid that fight.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) June 12, 2014
Careful.
Just got news I might help one of the Jonas brothers teaching him how to fight wow
— Bobby King Green (@BobbyKGreen) June 12, 2014
The end.
Sad but amazing last official Bang Muay Thai class! Thanks for all the knowledge Master Splinter! OSSSS @duanebangcom pic.twitter.com/fNpgAuYGEN
— TJ Dillashaw (@TJDillashaw) June 12, 2014
Great cause.
My son was born with #cancer so we are doing the #JimmyFund Cancer walk in Sep. You can walk w/ us or join here http://t.co/52EZYdNDax @UFC
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) June 13, 2014
C’mon.
Hey short fat kid blowing in the harmonica in the Charlotte airport, slow it down or well you know, I’ll secretly tweet my frustrations.
— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) June 12, 2014
Hate those.
Having a #reallife moment at the #dmv
— Chrissy Blair (@chrissy_blair) June 12, 2014
How do you do it?
Face-offs.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (June 12 2014)
Jon Fitch vs. Dennis Hallman at WSOF 11
Bryan Barberena vs. Joe Ellenberger at UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Da Headbanger.
Everything You NEED to Know About UFC 174 Main Card
I bagged on the preliminary card during those predictions, but I actually like the main card of the PPV. Barring the main event, all of the fights are very evenly matched and exceedingly difficult to predict. All of them will have an impact in the rankings of their respective divisions. And there should be some good finishes too (I won’t say out of all of them… thats just asking for too much). What more does a fan want?
Whats that you say? You don’t like the flyweight division? Demetrious Johnson is boring as a person and a fighter and you just don’t care? The hell with you! Its gonna be a badass card and you know it!
(C) Demetrious Johnson (19-2-1) vs. #4 Ali Bagautinov (13-2), Flyweight
Story Thus Far: This is going to sound cruel, but this is likely the least prestigious belt in the UFC. Most people just don’t care for the little guys for some reason. And I find it to be a shame as Johnson has been making a hell of a stake as the most dominating champion in the UFC.
…
Check out the rest of the post here.
Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.