Anderson Silva’s UFC return would have been a successful one had it not for failed drug tests leading to his fight with Nick Diaz at UFC 183.
Silva was trying to make a return to the Octagon after suffering a broken leg at UFC 168 against Chris Weidman held on December 28, 2013. Weidman eventually won via TKO when Silva suffered the celebrated leg injury.
Before the match even took place, Silva had already failed pre-fight tests and would later on be found to have failed post-fight tests.
Prior to his scheduled appearance before the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the camp of Silva had issued their statement regarding the matter.
As posted yesterday, Silva’s camp claimed that the root of the failed drug tests may have come from an sexual enhancing drug.
According to the claim, the supplement was was contaminated with an Exogenous Anabolic Agent: Drostanolone Metabolite. The contaminated supplement is the cause of the presence of the Exogenous Anabolic Agent – Drostanolone Metabolite, the same drug where Silva was tested positive for last January 9.
However, the said supplement was not the only source of the failed drug examination. Silva also took oxazepam and temazepam, medication taken in by Silva to address anxiety and insomnia.
Silva admitted to taking in Benzodiazepines substances since he had a hard time sleeping the night before his match with Diaz.
Despite the submitted response, the Nevada State Athletic Commission has ordered a 12-month suspension on the 40-year-old Silva, retroactive from his last fight on January 31.
Aside from the suspension, Silva was also ordered to pay a fine of $200,000 (the full win purse) plus 30 percent of the fight purse ($800,000). This was revealed by Brett Okamoto via ESPN.
With regards to his win over Diaz, such has been turned and ruled a no-contest.
Looking forward, Silva will have to present a clean test once he is allowed to re-apply for a license before he can fight once more.
With that said, the earliest that Silva may return in the ring could be by February 1, 2016 as bared by Kevin Iole via Yahoo Sports.
This development serves as another major blow for the comebacking Silva. Further, his ripe age of 40 could become a cause for concern as he is nearing the end of his UFC career.
It remains to be seen what Silva plans after serving his suspension. Will he continue to fight or call it a day?