UFC fighter Anderson Silva denies steroid use
MMA fighter Anderson Silva denied using performance-enhancing drugs, a day after reports surfaced that he tested positive for the steroids Drostanolone and Androstane during a random out-of-competition test.
Silva tested positive on Jan. 9 and was allowed to fight Nick Diaz during UFC 183 last Saturday. Silva defeated Diaz by unanimous decision; after the fight, Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites.
"I've been competing in this sport for a very long time," Silva said in a statement released by his manager. "This is my 19th fight in the UFC. I have been thoroughly tested many times and have never had a positive test. I have not taken any performance enhancing drugs. My stance on drugs is and will always be the same. I'm an advocate for a clean sport."
Silva can request that his "B" sample be tested.
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Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman Francisco Aguilar said that the sport's governing body will address Silva's positive test during its next meeting on Feb. 17, and at that time, the commission will figure out a time when Silva can present his case.
UFC president Dana White said in a statement that his sport fully supports out-of-competition drug testing because he wants "to help keep the sport clean."
White said that a laboratory in Salt Lake City, which handled Silva's test, explained why he did not receive the results of that test until Tuesday.
"In light of this, we want to ensure that Anderson gets his due process and we will support him during this time," White said. "While this process plays out, Anderson will continue in his role as coach of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil. Of course we will continue to monitor the actions of the Nevada State Athletic Commission."
- Scooby Axson
