Anderson Silva’s return to the octagon initially was deemed as a success. Now, the Brazilian middleweight joins Jon Jones as the second UFC champ to be caught in a drug scandal.
The UFC announced in a statement that Silva — who won a unanimous decision over Nick Diaz in UFC 183 on Saturday night — tested positive for the anabolic steroid Drostanolone during an out-of-competition drug test on Jan. 9. The Nevada State Athletic Commission did not inform the UFC of the results until Tuesday.
“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,” the UFC said in a statement. “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.”
According to reports, however, Silva’s UFC 183 opponent apparently didn’t fight clean, either.
Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole reported that Diaz took a post-fight test that found elevated levels of marijuana metabolites in his system. If true, it would be the third time he has tested positive for marijuana.
It’s the second consecutive major UFC card that’s been marred by a drug incident, as Jones checked into a drug treatment facility upon failing a drug test shortly after winning UFC 182.
Thumbnail photo via Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports Images
