Anderson Silva Denies Drug Use

UPDATE: Wednesday, February 4, at 5:24 p.m. ET

Anderson Silva has officially released a statement to MMAFighting.com through his manager, Ed Soares:

"

I’ve been competing in this sport for a very long time.  This is my nineteenth fight in the UFC.  I have been thoroughly tested many times and have never had a positive drug test. I have not taken any performance-enhancing drugs.  My stance on drugs is, and will always be, the same.  I’m an advocate for a clean sport. I’m consulting with my advisors right now to explore all of my options and intend to fight this allegation and clear my name.  I will not make any further comments until my team advises me to do so.

"

The dust has yet to settle on the shocking fallout from the UFC 183 main event, which revealed failed drug tests for both Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz.

According to Nevada Athletic Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett, per MMAFighting.com, Silva tested positive for Drostanolone, an anabolic steroid, in an out-of-competition drug test conducted on January 9. There were also traces of Androstane, a form of endogenous hormone, found in his system.

As with any professional athlete connected to steroids, Silva's entire career has come into question following the failed drug test. The findings are especially surprising considering Silva's notoriety and his longtime anti-steroid stance in the UFC.

While Silva has yet to publicly address the drug results, there are those closer to the situation claiming that the former UFC middleweight champ is vehemently denying any wrongdoing.

Marcio Tannure, Silva's doctor and the medical director of the Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission, told Band News Radio, per MMAFighting.com, that it was "too soon to judge":

"

Anderson told me he's disappointed, upset because he didn't use steroids. ... He told me: 'I have an impeccable career history and I wouldn't want to tarnish my image.' It's too soon to judge. He has the right to a confirmation test and two other results. The Nevada Athletic Commission hasn't talked yet, and the press is already judging him. The process isn't over yet.

"

Silva is scheduled to attend a commission meeting on February 17 in Nevada, where he will likely be handed a temporary suspension until further analysis is complete. A full hearing in front of the NAC could take place in March or April.

Meanwhile, Diaz is also facing a possible suspension after testing positive for marijuana in a post-fight drug test. He lost a unanimous decision to Silva on January 31 at UFC 183.

Jordy McElroy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA writer for Rocktagon and FanRag Sports.