Silva passes 2nd drug test; UFC denies withholding payment

Anderson Silva passed his second out-of-competition drug test in connection with last month's UFC 183 event, the Nevada State Athletic Commission announced Monday.

Silva was tested for human growth hormone and performance-enhancing drugs, according to MMAjunkie, and all results came back negative. Last week, the UFC revealed that Silva failed an out-of-competition pre-fight test Jan. 9 after testing positive for anabolic steroids and testosterone.

Silva's failed test has triggered a torrent of controversy in recent days.

Related: Anderson Silva tests positive for steroid

The UFC responded Monday to a report from Brazilian media outlet Veja.com that claimed the organization withheld nearly $6 million in payments to the former middleweight champion. 

"The financial reports made by Veja.com are not true," the UFC said in a statement released to MMAjunkie.

Though the UFC did not elaborate on its denial, MMAjunkie reports that only the NSAC has the authority to withhold payments to fighters.

The UFC also addressed Silva's status as a coach on "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4" by reversing course on its previous decision to allow him to remain on the show.

In a statement posted on its website, the UFC said it's removing Silva from the series at the request of the NSAC:

The UFC and Globo, the show’s Brazilian broadcaster, respect the Commission's decision, which will allow Silva to focus his attention on the matter before the Commission. Anderson Silva has been an amazing champion and a true ambassador of the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC will continue to support him as this process unfolds. 
 

Silva, who has denied using performance-enhancing drugs, is scheduled to argue his case before the NSAC on Feb. 17.