Another drugs scandal for UFC as Diaz and Silva both fail tests

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The UFC has a other drugs scandal on its hands after tests on two of its big name fighters came back positive before and after UFC 183. According to a statement from the organisation, champion Anderson Silva tested positive for drostanolone metabolites,which is a form of steroid before the bout with Nick Diaz. The test took place on January 9th but the result was only announced on Tuesday. It is the first ever positive drugs test for the 39-year old Brazilian. It's unclear what punishment he may receive just days after his five-round victory in Las Vegas last Saturday night. The UFC quickly issued a statement, revealing their disappointment at the news,

'On February 3, 2015, the UFC organization was notified by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that Anderson Silva tested positive for Drostanolone metabolites on his Jan. 9 out of competition drug test. UFC’s understanding is that further testing will be conducted by the Commission to confirm these preliminary results.

Anderson Silva has been an amazing champion and a true ambassador of the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC, in Brazil as well as around the world.

UFC is disappointed to learn of these initial results.The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by its athletes."

And in a bizarre turn of events,it seems that his opponent on Saturday night also tested positive for drug use. Nick Diaz had marijuana metabolites over the allowable limit in his drug test immediately after the fight. Diaz has previous in this regard,having also failed tests because of the same drug in 2007 and 2012. In a brief statement after the news broke the UFC revealed that Diaz is set to be brought in front of a hearing on February 17th to explain the presence of the drug in his system:

'The UFC has been notified by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that Nick Diaz has tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his fight with Anderson Silva at UFC 183 on Jan. 31 in Las Vegas, Nev. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. As a result of his positive test, Diaz has been informed that he has violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. The UFC organization will fully respect the Commission’s decision relating to Diaz at a hearing set for February 17.'

The news comes just a month or so after Jon Jones tested positive for cocaine and entered a drug treatment facility which he left a few days later. That test came just days after he beat Daniel Cormier at UFC 182.

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