Anderson Silva – I’ve never used Performance Enhancing Drugs

Former UFC middleweight champion and pound for pound great, Anderson Silva, has strongly denied ever having used Performance Enhancing Drugs.

Silva is now suspended following what USADA calls a potential viloation in November last year. Silva was scheduled to fight middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum in the headline fight at UFC Fight Night 122 in Shanghai, China but was pulled from the fight after the failed test.

When asked by TMZ Sports if he had ever used Performance Enhancing Drugs, Silva said the following;

“Nothing, never in my life. Because first, my body never changed. Sometimes, the problem is – you use a different supplement and this (happens).”

It is of course not the first time Silva has been faced with these questions. In 2015 following a win over Nick Diaz at UFC 183, Silva found himself failing two tests which he attributed to tainted sexual enhancement medication. That encounter ultimately cost him in the form of a fine and a 12 month suspension. The win over Diaz became a No Contest and Diaz was also flagged for marijuana use and handed a controversially heavy 5 year suspension.

With Silva being a second time offender he could be facing a lengthy suspension. At 43 years old, any kind of enforced lay off could very well signal the end of his UFC career. When asked if he would plan on returning to action if handed a 2 year suspension, Silva added,

“I’m waiting for the USADA decision, but I’m very (excited to come back)”

Only time will tell if Silva is to be cleared of any blame for this latest failed test but in the final chapters of his decorated career, time is not something which is on the former great’s side.