Anderson Silva receives suspension from NSAC for failed drug tests, can fight again in February

After seemingly countless postponements and varying reports, Anderson Silva was finally handed his punishment for his failed PED tests.

The Spider was brought before a Nevada State Athletic Commission disciplinary hearing this evening where his testimony was heard. The former middleweight champion tested positive for anabolic steroids Drostanolone and Androstane in an out-of-competition drug test on January 9 before also testing positive for Drostanolone, as well as sleeping medication Oxazepam and anti-anxiety medication Temazepam in a post-fight drug test on January 31. The Brazilian's defence was that the drostanolone was detected due to a tainted sexual enhancement supplement that Silva had been taking. After a lengthy hearing, the NSAC elected to reject Silva's defence and suspend the fighter for 12 months dated back to 31 January 2015, the date of his unanimous decision victory over Nick Diaz at UFC 183 which will now be overturned to a No Contest. Silva will also be fined his entire win bonus from that fight ($200,000) and 30% of his $600,000 purse which works out as a total fine of $380,000. The suspension means that Silva, 40, will not be able to compete until February 2016 at the earliest.