MANILA, Philippines — The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has reportedly withheld roughly $6 million payment to former middleweight champion Anderson Silva for failing his pre-fight drug test.
Silva tested positive for two anabolic steroids, drostanolone and androstane. The results came just three days after making a triumphant return from a broken leg he suffered in a title fight against Chris Weidman on Dec. 28, 2013.
Silva won via unanimous decision over Nick Diaz, who is also facing a doping issue, last Feb. 1 (Manila time) in the main event of UFC 183 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas – a win that will likely be overturned to a no-contest following the findings.
In a prepared statement, Silva denied taking performance-enhancing drugs before his fight with Diaz.
“I’ve been competing in this sport for a very long time. This is my 19th fight in the UFC. I have been thoroughly tested many times and have never had a positive drug test,” the statement read as posted on foxsports.com.
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