MMA's Anderson Silva suspended for 1 year over drugs

Anderson Silva's fall from grace continues.

Once considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time, "The Spider's" legacy has been tainted after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs before and after his January 31 fight against Nick Diaz.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission was unconvinced by Silva's defense that the positive test was caused by a tainted sexual performance supplement and handed him a one-year suspension.

The earliest he can return to the Octagon is February 2016.

His victory against Diaz has also been overturned into a no contest and he has been fined a total of $380,000. – ANC, Dateline Philippines, Aug. 14, 2015

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Anderson Silva compared to Lance Armstrong

The trainer of former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre criticized Brazilian legend Anderson Silva after it was revealed that "The Spider" tested positive for anabolic steroids.

"It's horrible for the sport," said Firas Zahabi, St-Pierre's outspoken trainer, as quoted by MMA Fighting.

Zahabi even compared Silva's situation to that of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and admitted in 2013 that he had used performance enhancing drugs.

"Lance Armstrong has not helped the sport of cycling," said Zahabi. "A lot of people were inspired by his story, and afterwards, we find out that it's a lie."

"Here, we're going through something similar in our sport," he added.

Zahabi believes that in light of Silva's failed drug test, the Brazilian fighter's achievements have to be reconsidered.

"Georges is the best pound-for-pound fighter. We have to drop Silva," he declared.

"If he really cheated, we can't set this example for the youth. It's ridiculous. Is Lance Armstrong considered the best cyclist of all time? No. A few years ago, the answer would have been different," he added.

Silva is widely considered as the greatest MMA fighter of all time, and for a long time reigned on top of the UFC's middleweight division. He still holds the record for the longest winning streak in the UFC (16) and successive title defenses (10).

He has also denied using performance-enhancing drugs. It was the first time that Silva had failed a drug test in his career.

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Anderson Silva denies taking steroids

Mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Anderson "The Spider" Silva has vehemently denied using performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) after failing a drug test conducted ahead of his comeback fight.

The UFC announced yesterday that Silva tested positive for anabolic steroids in an out-of-competition drug test conducted last January 9.

Last weekend, Silva made a successful and emotional return to the UFC, defeating Nick Diaz via unanimous decision in his first fight since December 2013.

"I've been competing in this sport for a very long time. This is my 19th fight in the UFC. I have been thoroughly tested many times, and have never had a positive test," Silva said in a statement, as reported by ESPN.com.

"I have not taken any performance enhancing drugs," Silva stressed. "My stance on drugs is and will always be the same. I'm an advocate for a clean sport."

Silva said he is consulting with his advisors on what step to take as he seeks to "fight this allegation and clear my name."

Diaz, for his part, also failed a post-fight drug test after he was found with marijuana metabolites in his system.

Silva tested positive for Drostanolone and Androstane, both of which are banned substances.

Meanwhile, Silva's doctor, Dr. Marcio Tannure, said the Brazilian legend was disappointed and upset, "because he didn't use steroids."

"He will ask for the confirmation test because he believes the only explanation is a contamination or a mistake from the lab," Tannure said, as quoted by MMA Fighting. "He told me: 'I have an impeccable career history and I wouldn't want to tarnish my image.'"

Both Silva and Diaz are expected to be meted suspensions and fines by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

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Silva to talk to family about UFC future

Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva plans to consult with his family before he makes a decision about his future in the sport after making a successful return to the Octagon last weekend.

Silva routed Nick Diaz in a middleweight fight in the main event of UFC 183 to win his first fight since coming back from a left leg injury.

But "The Spider" was non-committal about his future when asked about it following his bout against Diaz.

"I need to talk to my family," Silva said in the post-fight press conference, as quoted by MMA Fighting. "I love my job. This is me. I love (to) fight."

"But I need to talk to my family," he stressed. "Because this is more important to my life now."

Silva revealed in an interview with Joe Rogan that his son had asked him to stop fighting, something that he kept in mind even as he stressed his love for the sport.

"I love my job, I love (the) UFC," he said. "When my son talked to me, I'm a little scared."

The win over Diaz was Silva's first since October 2012, snapping a two-fight losing streak against reigning champion Chris Weidman.

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Silva decisions Diaz to make successful UFC return

Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva made a successful return to the Octagon by beating Nick Diaz via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 183 Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas (Sunday in Manila).

Silva moved well on defense, showed little effect of a long lay-off, kicked several times with his left leg, and was barely troubled by Diaz in a five-round showdown.

All the judges scored the bout in favor of the Brazilian legend, 49-46, 50-45, and 50-45, allowing Silva to snap a two-match losing streak in what was his first UFC fight since December 2013, when he broke his left shin while challenging defending champion Chris Weidman in a rematch.

"The Spider" collapsed one his back and cried when the decision was announced, a stunning display of emotion after his workmanlike performance during the fight itself.

"I need to say, thank you God, thank you for giving me one more chance," said Silva, the longest-reigning champion in UFC history who saw his dominance snapped by Weidman in July 2013.

"I went through a lot of suffering in the past year, and in the beginning, I thought I wouldn't be able to come back," he added, thanking his doctors in Brazil and those who performed emergency surgery on his left leg after his injury at UFC 168 in December 2013.

Silva did not fight at all in 2014 as he recovered from the injury, but showed little to no rust as he circled the Octagon well and slickly evaded Diaz's sporadic punches. Diaz did land several left leg kicks, but Silva simply shrugged them off and plowed forward.

It took a while before the Brazilian star threw a kick using his left leg, preferring first to throw punches, but once he got comfortable, the "Spider" was able to connect several times using his left leg.

Diaz's best offense, aside from his left leg kick, was his right hook, but he only landed it sparingly as Silva kept his distance.

Diaz tried his best to out-psych Silva, starting the first round with his hands down and repeatedly taunting the former champion. At one point in the opening round, Diaz even briefly laid down on the Octagon, as if daring Silva to come at him.

"If you lay down in front of me, I'm gonna come and get you. If you give me a free shot at you, I'm gonna take it," Diaz said after the fight.

Silva, however, was undeterred by his opponent's efforts at psychological warfare.

"Nick is the best. I stayed here for a long time, and it's the first time in my life (that I fought) a guy who is mentally strong, punches strong, the kick is strong," he said. "Thank you, Nick."

As for Diaz's antics, Silva said: "This is the great show for the people. Nick is the great show. I'm the great show. This is for the people here. This is no bad man. This is Nick Diaz, this is the show, and this is the UFC."

Silva hiked his record to 34-6, and has now won 17 fights inside the Octagon.

Diaz, who was fighting in the UFC for the first time since March 2013, dropped to 26-10 in his career. He has also lost three straight matches inside the Octagon, all by decision.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

UFC: Silva says he'll be 100% on fight night

Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva of Brazil promised to be at 100% when he returns to the Octagon next year against Nick Diaz.

It will be Silva's first fight since breaking his left leg while fighting reigning champion Chris Weidman in their rematch last December.

"When I realized my leg was broken, I thought my career was over," Silva said, as quoted by MMA Fighting, in a recent interview.

"You might think that depression is not something serious, but I was depressed. I was very upset, and if I didn't have the people that I have by my side, maybe I wouldn't come back," he added.

Silva admitted that when he first started training again, he "didn't have a lot of strength."

"I lost some strength in my leg, which is normal, but now I'm recuperating and I'm (doing) specific work to recuperate my strength in my leg," he said.

"Every day that goes by, I'm going back to my origins and being able to kick without any fear, and I believe that on fight night, I will be 100%," he added.

Silva will fight Diaz on January 31, 2015 in what will be the main event of UFC 183.

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Silva nixes dream match vs Roy Jones

MANILA, Philippines – Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva thinks his dream boxing match against former pound-for-pound king Roy Jones Jr. will no longer happen.

Silva said that UFC executives Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta frowned on the suggestion of pitting him against Jones, especially after he got injured while fighting middleweight champion Chris Weidman.

"I don't think this is going to happen. It's not an idea politically well received by Dana and Lorenzo. I'm trying, I always bring that subject but they are irreducible. It would be historical...but this is my dream,” the Brazilian mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar said in Bloody Elbow.

Silva said even Jones is excited to face him but conceded that the fight is a business issue.

Meanwhile, Silva said things are going well regarding his recovery. He sees himself returning to the octagon in 2015.

"In a 0 to 10 scale I'm 9 right now. The doctor said I just can't jump and run. I could fight again this year but because of personal projects I should just come back in 2015," he said.
 

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Sonnen wants 3rd fight vs Silva

MANILA – Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Chael Sonnen said he wants to get a third fight against Anderson Silva if the former UFC middleweight champion returns to the octagon.

Sonnen, who has lost twice against the MMA legend, said he’d like to take on “The Spider” even if there’s no title at stake.

“I want to have a third fight (against Anderson). I still want to beat him for some source of competition,” he said in Bloody elbow.

Silva is currently recovering from a horrific injury he sustained while challenging Chris Weidman for the middleweight title in UFC 168 last December. The Brazilian accidentally broke his left leg after Weidman blocked his roundhouse kick.

Silva is rehabilitating his broken leg and vowed to return to the UFC soon.

Meanwhile, Sonnen said he also has two more opponents in mind.

“I also want to face Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva. I don't wish them a bad life but in a fight I can't step back and I have to punch their faces. There is an expression in America that says: if want to make an omelet, you have to break a few eggs,” he said.

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Silva undergoes surgery to repair broken leg

MANILA, Philippines – Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva has undergone surgery to repair his broken left leg, the company announced in a statement.

The 38-year-old Silva broke his left tibia and fibula when his kick was checked by Chris Weidman during their championship fight in the main event of UFC 168 in Las Vegas over the weekend.

“Following Saturday evening’s UFC 168 main event, former champion Anderson Silva was taken to a local Las Vegas hospital where he underwent surgery to repair a broken left leg,” the UFC said in a statement.

“The successful surgery, performed by Dr. Steven Sanders, the UFC’s orthopedic surgeon, inserted an intramedullary rod into Anderson’s left tibia. The broken fibula was stabilized and does not require a separate surgery,” it added.

The UFC said Silva will stay in the hospital “for a short while,” although no additional surgery is scheduled.

Recovery time will take an estimated three to six months.

Silva’s gruesome injury, which occurred in the second round of the five-round championship fight, led many of his fellow MMA fighters to fear for his future in the sport, but the UFC said the Brazilian legend is not yet thinking about his future in MMA.

“There has been no immediate decision about his future, and (Anderson) would kindly ask for privacy at this time as he deals with his injury and prepares to return home to recover,” the UFC said.

Silva, who started his UFC career with 16 consecutive victories, has now lost back-to-back fights. Weidman, for his part, was successful in his first-ever UFC title defense and now has an 11-0 record.

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Weidman retains title after Silva suffers injury

MANILA, Philippines – Chris Weidman retained his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title in shocking fashion after challenger Anderson “The Spider” Silva suffered a gruesome leg injury in the second round of their fight in the main event of UFC 168.

Silva threw a left leg kick that was checked by Weidman, and the Brazilian legend clearly injured his leg in with the strike, as he immediately fell back with his lower leg dangling at an odd angle.

The fight was stopped at the 1:16 mark of the second round, and Weidman was declared the winner via technical knockout.

“No matter what happened in this fight, he’s still known as the greatest of all time, so props to Anderson Silva and God bless him,” said Weidman, who shocked the UFC world when he knocked out Silva in their first encounter last July.

Silva was not made available for a post-fight interview and left the Octagon on a stretcher, according to reports from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

One reporter, Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting, tweeted that the Brazilian was “yelling at the top of his lungs on the stretcher back stage.”

Silva, who won 16 consecutive UFC fights before losing to Weidman in July, caught flak for “clowning” inside the Octagon, as Weidman caught him with his hands down and knocked him out.

There was no clowning around from the “Spider” this time around, but Weidman still connected on him in the first round that sent Silva on his back.

Silva was not knocked out, but Weidman spent most of the first round landing elbows from the top position. Silva managed to sneak in an occasional elbow but was clearly on the defensive.

The Brazilian tried to be more aggressive in the second round, landing an inside leg kick early. Weidman was able to block his other kicks, however, including the one that snapped Silva’s left shin.

“That was the number one thing that I got hit with in the first fight,” Weidman said, referring to Silva’s leg kicks. “I was working on checking him a lot.”

Despite his victory, Weidman also looked subdued in the post-fight interview, and said he never expected that Silva would break his leg. “It’s still crazy how that happened,” he said.

Weidman is now 11-0 in his UFC career. Silva has lost back-to-back fights for the first time after winning his first 16 matches inside the Octagon.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Silva admits making 'basic mistakes' against Weidman

MANILA – Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva acknowledged he made mistakes in his title defense against Chris Weidman at UFC 162, which saw him lose inside the Octagon for the first time in his career.

Weidman caught Silva flush in the second round, knocking out the Brazilian legend to become the new middleweight champion.

“My mistakes in that fight – and that’s the first time I’m saying this – were basic mistakes,” Silva said in an interview with SporTV.

“I did everything I had to do, except to hit him,” he added. “I didn’t counter-attack. When I stopped with my feet parallel, I should have hit him and walked one step behind. I didn’t do that.”

After the fight, Silva came under fire for showboating, and some even believed that his antics inside the cage led to his loss.

But the Brazilian said he does not regret his actions, and vowed to clean up the mistakes he made when he and Weidman meet again on December 28 in a highly-anticipated rematch.

“I saw my mistakes, and I’m working on that to train for this next fight,” he said. “It’s going to be a tough fight, and it won’t last too long if it stays standing.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Silva still a genius in GSP's eyes

MANILA, Philippines – Despite losing his crown to Chris Weidman, Anderson Silva is still a “genius” in the eyes of his MMA pound-for-pound rival, Georges St-Pierre.

St-Pierre said Silva’s showboating tactics may have backfired against Weidman but it was effective against the rest of his opponents.

"Anderson Silva is a genius. He wants you to think that you don't even belong in the ring with him, because he's too good for you. That's what he wants his opponent to think. He's a genius," he said.

St-Pierre said that even during the Weidman fight, Silva created an illusion that he’s winning the bout.

He added that Silva was nearly successful against his challenger despite failing to land damaging strikes on Weidman.

"Look at that fight with Weidman. He did a lot of crazy things, but he didn't land one significant strike on Chris Weidman. He landed some good leg kicks, but he didn't a land significant strike that really hurt Weidman. But because of this game, he made it look like he was dominating the fight. It's an illusion that he creates, which is very smart, because he can get into his opponent's mind.”

Unfortunately for Silva, his mind games didn’t work against the up and coming middleweight.

Weidman caught Silva with a left hook to the jaw while the latter was sticking out his chin.

“At one point I was afraid that he (Weidman) was starting to believe the hype, but he stayed focused and he did well. Obviously, Anderson, he got caught. But I still believe that Anderson Silva is the best in the world. That's what I believe."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

UFC: Weidman KOs Silva to claim middleweight title

MANILA, Philippines -- In a stunning upset, Chris Weidman knocked out Brazilian legend Anderson "The Spider" Silva in the second round of their main event bout at UFC 162 Saturday in Las Vegas (Sunday in Manila) to become the new UFC middleweight champion.

Weidman knocked out Silva at the 1:18 mark of the second round, and in the process ended the Brazilian's 16-fight winning streak in the UFC.

It was also Silva's first loss since 2006, and the first time that he has ever been knocked out.

The loss also stopped Silva's streak of 10 consecutive successful title defenses, also a UFC record.

Weidman started off strong, but Silva was taunting and playing around in the opening round, and even putting his hands on his hips.

Silva paid for his nonchalance in the second round when, with his hands on his hips again, Weidman connected on a huge left hook that floored the Brazilian legend.

The loss dropped Silva's record to 33-5. Weidman, meanwhile, remains unbeaten in his MMA career with a 10-0 record.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Anderson will test Weidman's chin'

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran UFC fighter Dan Henderson warned Chris Weidman that his chin will be tested when he takes on Anderson “The Spider” Silva for the middleweight championship at UFC 162 on July 6.

“He hasn’t been very well tested with his chin,” Henderson said of Weidman in an interview with Rick J. Lee. “And Anderson definitely will test is. He’s very accurate with his striking.”


Silva, who has held the UFC’s middleweight belt since 2006, has connected on 67.8% of his significant strikes since making his UFC debut and has won 20 of fights via knockout.

Even Henderson, who is known for his strong chin, was wobbled by Silva when they fought at UFC 82 in 2008.

Henderson admitted that he is not very familiar with Weidman’s work, although he believes the challenger can give Silva a tough fight.

“I really haven’t seen much of Chris Weidman,” Henderson admitted. “I know he’s very well-rounded, and very tough, and just a tough dude on his feet and a wrestler as well.”

“So I think he’s capable of putting Anderson on his back and also striking with him,” he added.

But Henderson is still favoring the Brazilian legend to retain his championship.

“I would probably have to bet on Anderson if I was going to bet,” he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

UFC 148 live blog: Anderson Silva ends Chael Sonnen rivalry emphatically

The greatest fighter in the UFC has a new greatest moment after Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Anderson Silva stayed undefeated in the octagon, winning his 15th straight and notching a victory that had to feel more satisfying than any of the other ones to defend his middleweight championship belt. Silva defeated rival Chael Sonnen 1 minute, 55 seconds into the second round with a TKO in the UFC 148 main event.

"He's a true champion, man," Sonnen said while still in the octagon.

If only for a split second, the sold-out crowd stood silent at that suggestion. It was Sonnen who had insulted Silva in every way possible over the past two years, making this bout into the biggest in UFC history and instilling the champion with a hatred no one had ever heard before.

Silva didn't break any of Sonnen's limbs as advertised, but he did manage to destroy the brash 185-pound wrestler with a barrage of strikes that included two right hands and a devastating knee to the body.

"Chael disrespects my country, but it's fine," Silva said. "This is a sport. This is the UFC."

With that, Silva wrapped his left arm around Sonnen's shoulder and attempted to end a feud that has captivated the sports world. He even invited Sonnen to a barbecue at his house, though that was likely a back-handed crack at the challenger who had turned his trash talk personal when he said he wanted to pat Silva's wife "on the (butt)" and tell her "to make me a steak, medium rare just how I like it,” on a radio show months ago.

The fight went Sonnen's way early. Just like their first fight, Sonnen managed to take Silva to the ground immediately. He threw ground-and-pound and smothered the Brazilian for the opening five minutes of the fight.

But Sonnen couldn't convert on a takedown to start the second round and Silva got the space he needed to operate. A right-hand dropped Sonnen and Silva then showed his killer instinct, rushing in to strike until it was impossible for the referee to let the bout go any longer.

"They gave me the opportunity," Sonnen said. "No one owes me anything. I'm very grateful to be here and have the chance."

The co-main event also delivered a conclusion to a long-running rivalry. Local fighter Forrest Griffin won a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) over Tito Ortiz for the second time in four years.

Ortiz knocked Griffin down in both the second and third rounds, but it wasn't enough as he faded late in each of the frames with Griffin coming on strong.

"I'm going to be linked to Tito forever," Griffin said. "We have had three really close fights. He was throwing the kitchen sink at me and I was too tired to get out of the way. It always comes down to fatigue. I don't know who won that fight to be honest. I'm going to need to watch that back."

Cung Le, Demian Maia, Chad Mendes and Mike Easton also thrilled with victories on the main card.

source: lasvegassun.com