It was reported back in November that Anderson Silva had failed a pre-fight drug test, but at the time there was no word on what banned substances he was believed to have taken.
Now the Combate site has alleged that the former long-time middleweight champion was flagged for a synthetic form of testosterone known as methyltestosterone, as well as an unnamed diuretic.
The 42-year-old is facing a potential four-year ban from the sport for failing a second drug test within a 10-year period, though if USADA pursues an ‘aggravated circumstances’ clause due the fact that he tested positive for more than one banned substance then that could potentially be doubled to eight-years.
However, Combate have claimed that Silva’s lawyers are planning to try to have Silva’s previous positive test for steroids not be considered in his current case given that it occured back in January of 2015 before USADA became responsible for the UFC’s drug-testing process.
If that legal bid is successful then Silva’s suspension could be significantly reduced, though Combate are reporting that Silva has already made up his mind to retire if he’s suspended for more than two years.
Whatever happens it seems that Silva’s legacy in the sport has been tarnished in the twilight years of his career due to his repeated positive tests for some of the most powerful performance enhancing drugs on the market.
