Silva, Diaz test positive for illegal substances after UFC 183

Anderson Silva (L) kicks Nick Diaz in their middleweight bout during UFC 183 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 31, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Anderson “The Spider” Silva, widely-regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, tested positive for anabolic steroids after his return to the Octagon in UFC 183 against Nick Diaz, a report said.

According to a report from ESPN.com, Silva tested positive for the steroid drostanolone after the Nevada State Athletic Commission performed an out-of-competition drug test on the former UFC Middleweight Champion.

UFC announced the findings on Wednesday (Manila time).

NSAC Chairman Francisco Aguilar said in the ESPN report that Silva also tested for another kind of steroid called androstane.

Silva (34-6) returned to competition on Sunday (Manila time) for UFC 183 against Diaz after a 13-month absence due to a leg injury that he suffered during a title match against Chris Weidman in 2014.

Aguilar said that Diaz (26-10) also tested for banned substances after the fighter underwent a post-fight drug test.

Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites which were above the allowed limit of 150 ng/ML

“On Feb. 3, 2015, the UFC organization was notified by the NSAC that Anderson Silva tested positive for drostanolone metabolites on his Jan. 9 out of competition drug test,” said the UFC in a released statement.

Aguilar said that Silva was tested on January 9, January 19 and January 31 and were all blood and urine tests.

Both Silva and Diaz face potential fines and suspension and the sanction could be Diaz’ third marijuana-related offense.

“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. UFC is disappointed to learn of these initial results.”

Silva has never tested positive for a banned substance in his 18-year career.

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