Anderson Silva suspended 1 year by NSAC for failed drug tests

The Nevada State Athletic Commission slapped Anderson Silva with a one-year suspension and a $380,000 fine Thursday for failed drug tests before and after his fight at UFC 183 in January.

Silva's suspension is retroactive to Jan. 31, and he'll have to pass a drug test before being licensed.

The fight against Nick Diaz, which Silva won by unanimous decision, was also changed to a no-contest. Silva's fine is a combination of the $200,000 purse and 30 percent of the $600,000 win bonus he received for defeating Diaz, plus attorney and testing fees.

Silva tested positive for an anabolic steroid Jan. 9 and produced more positive tests both before and after his Jan. 31 bout. However, he was still allowed to fight Diaz because the NSAC had not received the results.

Typically, a ban between nine and 12 months is suggested for this type of infraction, and the NSAC opted to push for the lengthier punishment because of the former UFC middleweight champion's changing story throughout the process.

“I think (Silva has) done excellent things, but this is the first time he’s really been subject to enhanced testing,” NSAC commissioner Anthony Marnell said. “I feel there’s some intention here to use the product to come back from a devastating injury.

“There’s definitely knowledge of what’s going on here, and we’re just playing games. And that’s my frustration at all this soft testimony.”

Silva claimed he used a sexual enhancement drug that led to the positive tests, though he did not disclose the drug at the time of the fight. While giving testimony, Silva also changed his answer about when he ceased using the drug, leading to the NSAC's decision Thursday.