Story updated at 3:23 p.m. ET to reflect comment from UFC anti-doping partner USADA. Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva tested positive for methyltestosterone – a synthetic testosterone – and an unspecified diuretic prior to UFC Fight Night 122, according to a recent report. Silva’s reps are pushing for a reduced suspension following the ex-champ’s second failed test, arguing a failure from January 2015 was not under the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and shouldn’t be considered when deciding his punishment. Silva (34-8 MMA, 17-4 UFC) failed an out-of-competition test and was pulled from a fight with Kelvin Gastelum (14-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) at the event this past November. USADA might factor in doping violations that occurred prior to the implementation of the UFC’s anti-doping program.
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