UFC ‘stands behind’ Anderson Silva
Lawrence Epstein: “…I want to also make it very clear that regardless of what the athletic commission decides, Anderson Silva has been an incredible champion.”
Next week Anderson Silva will stand before the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his fail drug test. The Nevada commission will likely hand down a fine and suspension, but his employer the UFC is standing behind their athlete:
With The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4″ set to debut on April 5, UFC officials have committed to depicting Anderson Silva’s removal from the show with total candor and transparency.
Obviously, we’re going to be forthright with the whole situation, UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein today told MMAjunkie. I think the only way to present it is to present exactly what happened.
Epstein spoke with MMAjunkie at today’s The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4″ press conference at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium.
We are very hopeful that he can explain what happened here, but I want to also make it very clear that regardless of what the athletic commission decides, Anderson Silva has been an incredible champion, Epstein said. He has been an incredible representative of the UFC. He’s been an incredible representative of the sport of mixed martial arts, and whatever happens – and we hope him the best – but whatever happens, the UFC will be standing with him.