Anderson Silva Defense Cites 'Tainted' Sexual Performance Drug for Positive Test

The attorney of Anderson Silva will claim a “tainted” sexual performance medication was the reason he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, with the MMA star set to stand in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Thursday.

Silva tested positive for banned substances before and after his bout against Nick Diaz at UFC 183 in January. As noted by Damon Martin of Fox Sports, Drostanolone was found in the fighter’s system on two separate occasions while another anabolic steroid, Androstane, was also discovered in a separate test

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But according to a report filed by Silva’s lawyer, Michael Alonso, the presence of Drostanolone can be attributed to a substance the fighter used geared toward “enhancing sexual performance,” per Combate (h/t Martin’s piece). According to the report, an independent test concluded the product was laced with “the presence of the Exogenous Anabolic Agent—Drostanolone metabolites in Silva's urine.”

As for the Androstane, Alonso suggests that something else being taken by Silva could have also been “contaminated.”

Silva also tested positive for anti-anxiety substances Oxazepam and Temazepam in the aftermath of his win over Diaz. As Martin notes, neither is a banned substance, but Silva is said to have failed to fill out a questionnaire, which enables the Commission to permit their usage.

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That’s disputed by his attorney, who claims Silva filled out the form accurately, sent it off in accordance with any deadline, but only received the drugs the night before the fight itself to help with his sleeplessness.

The outcome of this verdict is something that will capture the focus of fans of the UFC from around the world. After all, Silva is widely regarded as the most complete fighter ever to step inside the Octagon; here’s a reminder of why, per MMA History Today:

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Forrest Griffin is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Look at what Anderson Silva did here Just unbelievable pic.twitter.com/VZrPURwsHf

— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) August 8, 2015"

Should his stellar career be tainted, it would be a huge shame. Fans of MMA have been bewitched by the Brazilian since he first burst onto the UFC scene in 2008 with an emphatic win over Chris Leben. That was the first of 16 wins in succession for Silva in the UFC, before he eventually lost to Chris Weidman in July 2013.

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Since suffering a horrific leg injury against Weidman in their second bout five months later, there are many who have doubted 40-year-old Silva’s capacity to reach the astounding levels he previously scaled. This upcoming hearing will play a crucial role in determining whether he gets the chance to do so again.

Should Silva be found guilty, he could be subject to a substantial suspension, fines and could have the result of his bout with Diaz, which the veteran won via a unanimous decision, overturned.