Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Wanderlei Silva has failed to submit a drug test and has now been removed from his fight against Chael Sonnen in UFC 175.
The UFC main card was planned to be Wanderlei Silva vs. Chael Sonnon, but that is not going to happen now as when asked to submit a sample for a mandatory and random drug test last Saturday in Las Vegas, by Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) officials, Wanderlei Silva allegedly refused.
Refusing to submit a sample is considered the same as a failure by the commission and Wanderlei Silva will now be dealt with by the NSAC and should expect some sort of ban or suspension.
Chael Sonnon has added his opinion and is understandably angry at events and Silva’s unwilling less to comply with rules with drug testing. Sonnen appeared on Wednesday nights UFC Tonight and blasted Silva for his refusal and foresaw the commission revoking Silva’s license.
“Wanderlei has operated his entire career under the shadow of suspicion that he was using performance-enhancing drugs. However, he has never failed a drug test, so we don’t speculate on those types of things,” Sonnen said on the FOX Sports 1 program. ”That clean record came to a screeching halt on Saturday night. Not only did he fail his test, he refused to take the test. And as you know, a refusal is equal in the eyes of the commission to a failure.
“He ran from the test … and I don’t mean that figuratively; I mean they came to his gym and he literally ran. He goes out of sight where they come after him, saying his name. I have not spoke to the athletic commission in Nevada, so here I am, going to speculate that they will revoke his license and perhaps his career with the UFC will be done.”
However, Silva stated a different series of events when asked, attempting to show he was somewhat innocent due to language barriers.
“Last Saturday a guy showed up at my gym with several papers in English saying that I had to sign the papers. I asked him if all the documents were written in English and he said yes. He did not show me any identification,” Silva explained.
“So I told him that I can’t read English very well and I would need my lawyer present to be able to sign any documents. Then I had to leave since it was the day of (Renan) Barao’s fight and I was really busy here in Vegas.”
Silva went on to state he’s never been guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs in the past.
“In 20 years of career and 50 professional fights, I never refused to test or failed to apply for a license to fight,” Silva said. “Once I am back in Las Vegas, I will reach out to the NCSA (Nevada State Athletic Commission) to submit myself to any blood or urine test like I always have done.”
Dana White first stated Silva was “done”, but these words were taken out of context when media reported White implied his career is finished in the UFC. White went on to confirm he’s “done” for the July 5th fight, but remains a UFC fighter and will be dealt with by the NSAC.
Silva remained hopeful even though his fight is off with Sonnon for the time being, “This is the fight I wanted the most in my entire life, and I will do everything I can to make this fight happen,” Silva said. “All this will get resolved and I will be there on July 5 to put on a great show for all of you, my friends.”
The UFC 175 main card is now Chael Sonnon vs. Vitor Belfort on 5th July.
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