Looks like the state of Nevada is continuing its heavy-handed approach against fighters who have issues with random drug testing.
Wanderlei Silva, who was removed from UFC 175 after refusing a random drug test and not applying for his fighter’s license on time, has had a complaint filed against him by the attorney general of Nevada, as MMA Junkie first reported.
The complaint, filed on July 31, refers to Silva as an “unarmed combatant” who “knew he was a contestant for UFC 175.”
“An unarmed combatant shall submit to a urinalysis or chemical test if the commission or a representative of the commission directs him or her to do so,” the complaint reads.
According to MMA Junkie, the Nevada attorney general’s office is asking for compensation for investigative costs, attorney fees and any other costs deemed fit. Silva has 20 days to formally respond to the complaint.
Appearing in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission at its June 17 meeting, Silva admitted he took a banned diuretic to rehab a wrist injury but has yet to be formally sanctioned, per MMA Fighting.
Shortly after being removed from UFC 175, The Axe Murderer argued that the whole situation was a big misunderstanding between him and the commission due to a language barrier.
For the record, Silva has not failed a drug test in 49 professional mixed martial arts contests—though the NSAC is likely to treat the avoidance of a drug test harsher than a failed one.
After compiling a stunning 22-4-2 record under the Pride banner between September 1999 and February 2007, the Brazilian slugger has not been able to replicate the same level of success inside the Octagon.
Silva, 38, is 4-5 in the UFC since December 2007 and has been on the sidelines since scoring a vintage knockout over Brian Stann at UFC on Fuel 8 last March.
John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.
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