Anderson Silva: 'I have not taken any performance-enhancing drugs'
Anderson Silva has broken his silence in a prepared statement released to the media on Wednesday, just a day after the Nevada State Athletic Commission released test results that showed the former UFC middleweight champion tested positive for two performance-enhancing drugs before UFC 183.
Silva had never tested positive for any drugs during any phase of his career before now, but the test results showed the 39-year-old Brazilian was positive for the steroids Drostanolone and Androstane.
Silva released a statement through his manager Ed Soares denying any wrongdoing.
"I've been competing in this sport for a very long time. This is my 19th fight in the UFC. I have been thoroughly tested many times and have never had a positive drug test," Silva said.
"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."
The testing was done by the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited lab.
Silva says that he will continue to fight the allegations but will make no further statements "until my team advises me to do so."
Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman Francisco Aguilar spoke to FOX Sports on Wednesday confirming that the governing body will address Silva's test in its next meeting on Feb. 17, and a temporary suspension likely will be handed down. From there, Silva has the right to request a second test on the "B" sample collected on Jan. 9. Silva will have to pay for the additional testing if it's requested.
Following the Feb. 17 meeting, the commission will then work to schedule a time for the full disciplinary hearing where Silva will be allowed to present his case. The hearing likely will be held in March, although Aguilar stated that the commission will work with Silva and his team to make sure the timing is convenient for everybody involved.
