THE UFC HAS been hit by a fresh doping controversy after news emerged overnight that both Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz failed drug tests surrounding their UFC 183 bout on Saturday night.
In a statement on their website last night, the UFC confirmed they had been notified by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) that Diaz has tested positive for marijuana metabolites following Saturday’s fight.
It also emerged that Silva tested positive for Drostanolone metabolites in an out of competition test on 9 January this year. The organisation went on to say they understood that further testing would be conducted by the NSAC to confirm the preliminary results.
Drostanolone is an anabolic steroid that is used in the treatment of cholesterol and some forms of cancer.
The UFC’s statement on the Brazilian said:
“Anderson Silva has been an amazing champion and a true ambassador of the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC, in Brazil as well as around the world. The UFC is disappointed to learn of these initial results.
“The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by its athletes.”
This news comes in the wake of light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ positive test for cocaine metabolites prior to UFC 182.
