UFC middleweight handed six-month suspension for "very likely unintentional" violation of anti-doping policy
A UFC middleweight contender has been handed a six-month suspension based on a failed drug test in April, according to Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD).
According to a report on ufc.com, Bruno Silva tested positive for the presence of 3a-Hydroxy-2a-methyl-5a-androstan-17-one, a metabolite of drostanolone, an anabolic steroid that is prohibited at all times. The banned substance was found in a urine sample collected out-of-competition by Drug Free Sport International (DFSI) on April 11, 2024.
According to CSAD, the urine samples were submitted thrice by Silva on March 30 and April 30, before he found out about failing the drug test, as well as on June 11. The three samples came out negative and although the source of the substance was never detected, CSAD said the levels of the substance are indicative of contamination.
CSAD claimed that it was “unintentional” on Silva's part and that he would only be banned for six months considering that he has been cooperative throughout the process. According to a statement by CSAD:
"Because of CSAD’s disagreement with multiple pieces of testimony in the Arruda da Silva arbitration hearing that appear to be inaccurate, as well as the lack of consideration of other sources, CSAD is not treating this violation of the UFC ADP as a second violation."
This was Silva’s second violation under the UFC, having previously been handed a two-year suspension in 2022 for the presence of boldenone. However, CSAD disagrees with the key testimony from the USADA arbitration against the likelihood of the presence of boldenone in meats, supplements, or creams in Brazil.
What is Bruno Silva's UFC record?
Brazilian MMA fighter Bruno Silva turned professional on June 5, 2010, taking on Junior Pitbull on Champions Night 14 and won the fight by TKO. Following the successful debut, he registered a sequence of alternation setbacks and triumphs. He found his footing and reclaimed lost ground after ten professional fights.
Between September 2012 and May 2016, Silva embarked on his best career run, rattling off ten straight victories in the regional MMA circuit in Brazil. The 35-year-old made his UFC debut in June 2021 banking on the strength of a 19-6 record.
He was undefeated in his first three outings in the Las Vegas-based promotion before succumbing to losses against Alex Pereira and Gerald Meerschaert. Silva holds a 4-5 record in the UFC and has lost three fights in a row against Brendan Allen, Sharabutdin Magomedov, and Chris Weidman.