UFC 183 was supposed to the triumphant return of two of mixed martial arts’ biggest names.
Instead, the event will live in infamy for a very different reason.
Former middleweight champion Anderson Silva tested positive for Drostanolone and Androsterone metabolites, both anabolic steroids, in a pre-fight drug test administered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Jan. 9.
In addition to Silva’s positive pre-fight test, his opponent, Nick Diaz, reportedly failed his post-fight drug test for elevated levels of marijuana metabolites.
Silva had been out of action since suffering a gruesome broken leg at UFC 168 in his rematch against champion Chris Weidman. The 39-year-old fighter returned from the lengthy injury layoff to square off with the former welterweight title challenger Diaz at the Jan. 31 event.
Like the Brazilian, Diaz also returned to action after a lengthy absence from the cage. The Californian had not fought since dropping a five-round decision to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 158. His positive test marks the third time the Stockton native has tested positive in Nevada. His win over Takanori Gomi at Pride 33 was overturned in 2007 and he was suspended for 12 months after failing his UFC 143 post-fight test.
Silva and Diaz battled for five rounds in the main event of the pay-per-view broadcast, which took place from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Silva earned a lopsided, unanimous decision win. However, that result is likely to be overturned to a no-contest following the drug test results.