Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva fails post-fight drug test

[keithlewis]

Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva fails post-fight drug test, stripped of $50,000 bonus

http://mmajunkie.com/2013/12/antonio-bi ... 000-bonus/

Despite gaining approval for the use of testosterone replacement therapy, Antonio Silva still failed his post-fight drug test following a “Fight of the Year” candidate against Mark Hunt in the headliner of UFC Fight Night 33.

MMAjunkie learned of the failure through multiple sources close to the event, which took place Dec. 7 at Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia, and was regulated by the promotion. UFC officials have since confirmed the failed screen, which indicated an elevated testosterone level.

“Silva is on a medically approved regimen of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and had been in compliance with therapeutic guidelines on all pre-fight tests performed prior to the event,” a statement issued by a UFC rep read. “The results of his test on the day of the event indicated a level of testosterone outside of allowable limit. Silva has been informed that the elevated testosterone level is a violation of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and his Promotional Agreement with Zuffa.”

Silva and Hunt fought to a bloody draw and drew ecstatic praise from UFC President Dana White, who gave both of the heavyweights the “win” portion of their contracted purses and gushed that he would buy them their own private islands.

Silva, a onetime title challenger, will be suspended for nine months. Additionally, he was stripped of his $50,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus, which will now be awarded to Hunt. The result of the fight will be changed to a “no contest” on Silva’s official record, while Hunt will retain the draw.

[keithlewis]

Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, released the following statement today regarding drug test results from UFC FIGHT NIGHT that took place in Brisbane, Australia, on Dec. 7, 2013.


All fighters on the UFC FIGHT NIGHT card were drug tested by an independent third-party laboratory at the event and all fighters passed their drug tests with the exception of Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva. Although Silva is on a medically approved regimen of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), and had been in compliance with therapeutic guidelines on all pre-fight tests performed prior to the event, the results of his test on the day of the event indicated a level of testosterone outside of allowable limit. Silva has been informed that the elevated testosterone level is a violation of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and his Promotional Agreement with Zuffa. He will receive a nine month suspension retroactive to the date of the event and he must pass a drug test upon completion of the suspension before receiving clearance to compete again. Additionally, he will forfeit $50,000 in bonus money. The forfeited bonus will go to his opponent Mark Hunt.

[keithlewis]

Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva issued this statement via his Facebook page:

"Months before my fight I looked for the UFC doctor Marcio Tannure in Brazil so I could start the hormonal replacement “TRT” which was authorized and recognized by a professional. I started the treatment and 2 weeks before my fight I did all the exams required by the UFC. My testosterone level continued to be low so I was recommended by the doctor to increase the dosage. Unfortunately my level increased too much and caused me to suspend. I only did what was recommended by someone trained who understands about the subject therefore it was not my mistake. I’m cool because I know that the mistake was not made by me,I never tried doing anything wrong for my fight."