Anderson Silva: I have not taken any PEDs

Anderson Silva’s manager Ed Soares has released a statement to MMAfighting ‘s Ariel Helwani about Tuesday’s failed PED test.

“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.”

In a curious twist, Silva is now the third Black House MMA fighter to test positive for drostanolone. UFC middleweight Kevin Casey tested positive for dorstanolone on July 30th, following his win over Bubba Bush at UFC 175. The win was changed to a No Contest, and Casey was suspended for a year. UFC featherweight Brian Ortega tested positive for dorstanolone on August 22nd, following his win over Mike de la Torre at UFC on Fox 12. The win was also changed to a No Contest, and Ortega was suspended for nine months. And now of course Anderson Silva has tested positive for drostanolone, following his win over Nick Diaz at UFC 183.

It is expected that Silva will be temporarily suspended at the next NSAC meeting, on Feb. 17. At that point a disciplinary hearings will be scheduled for March or April.