Anderson Silva suspended following 2nd failed drug test

The former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva has failed yet another drug test. In his third test over the course of four weeks, Silva has tested positive for multiple drugs and has been issued a temporary suspension.

After testing positive for Drostanolone following a pre-fight test given on January 9th, a second test was administered on January 19th which produced clean results. However in a final test taken immediately after his win at UFC 183 on January 31st, Silva tested positive for Oxazepam, Temazepam, and again Drostsnolone. Now Drostsnolone is officially on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list, and though the other two drugs are not, Silva’s failure to note that he had used them on a pre-fight questionnaire classified them as citable as well. 

Oxazepam is typically used to treat alcohol withdrawal, while Temazepam is used to deter insomnia. Both drugs have been noted to cause drowsiness and loss of coordination. Drostsnolone on the other hand is a more common, performance-enhancing drug used by athletes.

Silva has publicly denied taking any performance enhancements in a statement released on February 4th, stating “My stance on drugs is, and will always be, the same. I’m an advocate for a clean sport.”

A hearing has been scheduled for March, which will determine Silva’s official punishment.