Anderson Silva to argue failed PED test due in part to contaminated Viagra

Brazil’s Combate reports that former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will argue contaminated Viagra is in part responsible for his failed drug test. Silva will appear before a Nevada Athletic Commission disciplinary hearing on Thursday. He will also argue that he took a tainted supplement, which contributed to the failed tests.

The fighter tested positive for Drostanolone metabolites, both on the day of his fight with Nick Diaz on Jan. 31, and also in an out-of-competition pre-fight test administered on Jan. 9. Silva tested positive for Androstane in a random, pre-fight test.

The fighter also tested positive for Temazepam, a common sleep aid, and Oxazepam, a commonly-prescribed anti-anxiety medicine. Both Temazepam and Oxazepam are classified as benzodiazepines, and are not permitted for in-competition, unless an exemption was submitted and accepted. No mention was made of either drug on Silva’s pre-fight questionnaire.

Silva will deny knowingly taking an Performance Enhancing Drug.

In addition, his team will point to inconsistencies in the tests, noting that he passed both one pre-fight and one post-test fight.

Silva, who is under a temporary suspension pending the outcome of Thursday’s hearing, will ask for no fine, no suspension, and no turning his win over Nick Diaz to a No Contest.