Anderson Silva has finally receieved his punishment from USADA in relation to a positive drug test dating back to October of 2017, and given the circumstances the outcome is a positive one for the former champion.
USADA have ruled that Silva’s positive test came as the result of a contaminated substance without his knowledge, and as such he will only have to serve a one-year suspension.
That means that the now 43-year old Silva could return to the Octagon as soon as October of this year, and the Brazilian star has indicated that he does intend to do just that.
“I am vindicated,” Silva said after the decision was announced. “The past nine months have been extremely difficult.
“I felt like my career and everything I had worked so hard for was dying and my future was hanging in the balance.
“I knew in my heart that I had done nothing wrong and fully cooperated with USADA during their inquiry to prove it.
“Today I have a renewed energy. My legacy is restored. I can focus on getting back into the ring and the next chapter of my life after fighting.”
Silva last fought in February of 2017, claiming a somewhat controversial split decision win over Derek Brunson to register his first victory since an October 2012 win over Stephan Bonnar.
