Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva released a statement this Tuesday addressing the news that he tested positive for two PEDs in a pre-fight sampling prior to his main event fight with Nick Diaz at UFC 183.
The statement reads:
“I’ve been competing in this sport for a very long time. This is my nineteenth fight in the UFC. I have been thoroughly tested many times and have never had a positive drug 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. I’m consulting with my advisors right now to explore all of my options and intend to fight this allegation and clear my name. I will not make any further comments until my team advises me to do so.”
The UFC and the Nevada State Athletic Comission have not yet released any sanctions to be imposed on Anderson.
Silva’s opponent Nick Diaz also tested positive after the fight.
In his case, traces of marijuana were found in one of the samples.