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.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Marquez insists he's steroid-free

MANILA, Philippines – Juan Manuel Marquez maintained that he’s steroid-free and that he’s confident that his drug tests in Nevada will come out clean following his knockout win over Manny Pacquiao.

“I feel very happy with my training, I feel great about the tests,” Marquez told LA Times' Lance Pugmire.

“I won’t have a problem,” he declared.

Speculations came out that he might have used performance enhancing drugs (PED) as he has been working with former steroid peddler and now conditioning coach Angel “Memo” Heredia.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has collected pre-fight and post-fight urine samples from each fighter. NSAC executive director Keith Kizer said the test results will come out on December 17.

Although Marquez weighed in four pounds lighter than Pacquiao on the eve of the fight, the Mexican looked bulkier because of his muscle mass.

Marquez said he was offended by accusations of PED use, pointing out that he worked “hard for four months in Mexico."

"If I continue fighting, I’d like to do Olympic-style anti-doping tests with my opponent,” he said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com