It was revealed a short time before UFC Fight Night Shanghai that former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva was notified of a potential USADA violation.
Combate is now reporting that Silva may have failed the USADA issued drug test for a synthetic testosterone (methyltestosterone) and an unspecified diuretic substance.
Silva could be facing a four year ban already since this is his second failed drug test, but due to “aggravating circumstances,” it could be an eight year suspension for the former middleweight title holder.
The first failed drug test took place in line with UFC 183, where Silva had originally defeated Nick Diaz (who also failed a drug test) by decision, but that failure was during the pre-USADA testing days.
A representative of Silva’s also told Combate that the Brazilian MMA legend would be retiring if the suspension was longer than two years.
UFC 208 was the last time Silva competed in the Octagon, which was a decision win over Derek Brunson in the co-main event of the evening.
Through the whole process, a defiant Silva has maintained his innocence from the charges levied against the former title holder. Silva is expected to appear at a USADA hearing at a date that has yet to be determined.
