UFC: Anderson Silva addresses 2nd failed drug test
How the mighty have fallen.
This idiom perhaps best describes former longtime UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva.
Once heralded as MMA’s pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, the 42-year-old Brazilian legend is facing scrutiny after once again getting flagged for a performance-enhancing banned substance.
Shortly after the promotion removed Silva from his main event bout against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Fight Night 122, “The Spider” took to Instagram to address the situation.
“Obviously, I think everything is part of a process of evolution, with each passing day, I can learn more about who I am. I’m here to thank all my fans, especially my coaches and all the contributors for this long journey,” Silva wrote in a lengthy post.
“I can’t express my feelings and how sad I am, because we all invest love, passion and time in this camp, I don’t know exactly the plans of GOD for me, but anyway, I can only thank him and all of you, for the love and affection, nothing is more gratifying at this moment than having you by my side.”
After going undefeated in the UFC from 2006 to 2013—with 16 consecutive wins and 10 title defenses—Silva lost twice to former Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman.
His victory over Nick Diaz got overturned after testing positive for drostanolone and androsterone, then lost two more fights against Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier.
His last match resulted in a unanimous-decision victory against Derek Brunson at UFC 208 last February.
With another lengthy suspension likely ahead of him, the seasoned fighter looks to have no intention of hanging his gloves anytime soon.
“I will not give up, much less stop doing what I love, not because of fame or money, it’s because I love to fight,” he explained.
“So no matter what happens from now on, nothing changes, my plans are the same, nothing has changed. A big kiss for everyone and see you soon.” /ra
