Anderson Silva tested positive for steroids before his win against Nick Diaz in his comeback fight at UFC 183 on Saturday night, but the former middleweight kingpin denied using performance-enhancing drugs.
In a statement released to the public by Ed Soares, Silva's manager, "The Spider" said that he has never used steroids because he is one of the fighters pushing for a clean sport, particularly in UFC, which has been hobbled by doping controversies over the past several years.
"This is my 19th fight in the UFC. I have been thoroughly tested many times and have never had a positive test," Silva said in a statement. "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."
Multiple reports on Tuesday revealed that Silva tested positive for drostanolone and androstane during a random drug test conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Jan. 9. According to reports, Silva also underwent the same tests on Jan. 19 and Jan. 31, but results of those examinations are still unavailable.
Marcio Tannure, medical director of Brazil's mixed martial arts governing body, also told ESPN that Silva believes there was contamination or the laboratory that tested his urine samples made a mistake. Tannure added that they have already requested that Silva's "B" sample be tested as well.
Through Soares, Silva, who fought for the first time since sustaining a gruesome leg injury in his rematch against Chris Weidman in December 2013, said that he will do all the necessary actions to face the allegations against him and clear his name for any wrongdoing.
UFC president Dana White also released a statement where he praised and expressed support to Silva.
"Anderson Silva has been one of the greatest athletes this sport has ever seen. He has had a long and distinguished career in mixed martial arts," White said. "In his nine years with the UFC, Anderson has never tested positive for a banned substance. In light of this, we want to ensure that Anderson gets his due process and we will support him during this time."
While waiting for the results of investigations, White also added that Silva will still coach in "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil." The NSAC will conduct a meeting on Feb. 17 where Silva is expected to be handed temporary suspension until his disciplinary hearing either next month or in April.
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