Anderson Silva’s PED test results inconsistent, B sample being tested

Penalties for failing a PED test in mixed martial arts are now severe, and potentially career ending, with a three-year suspension now suggested in Nevada for the first failure. Earlier this month former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva received a third continuance from the Nevada Athletic Commission of his hearing.

One possible answer to the continuances has now emerged – there drug test results from Silva’s UFC 183 drug test are inconsistent, and the B-sample being tested to prove or disprove failed exam.

Drug-testing expert Larry Pepe reports via Twittter that the sample sent to Sports Medicine Research & Testing Laboratory (SMRTL) was positive, while the sample sent to Quest Labs was negative, or passing.

Source tells me there are conflicting fight night tests. SMRTL was positive (as SMRTL test was on 1/9) but Quest Labs did test same night close in time and Anderson was negative. SMRTL B sample being tested but results are not back yet. Either way, I would assume that Silva team will use the inconsistency of the two labs’ results to discredit the SMRTL positive test dated 1/9 and also point to SMRTL negative test dated 1/19 in arguing to NSAC that results are unreliable or, alternatively, that he should get reduced sentence. If you are wondering, yes, this is similar to Nick Diaz case where Quest & SMRTL were also in conflict.

SMRTL is testing the B sample but results are not yet available.

Silva has maintained throughout that he did not take any PEDs. He did concede that he took anti-anxiety medication, and did not disclose that on the required form, but that is a far lesser infraction. With the penalties for PED use now severe, it is incumbent on ACs that athletes be guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt.