Why was Mayra Bueno Silva suspended? UFC 297 fighter's drug test history explained
Mayra Bueno Silva has emerged as one of the top contenders in the UFC bantamweight division in recent years. She currently holds a professional record of 10-3, with 1 No Contest, and 1 draw.
Silva's second-round submission win over Holly Holm was the biggest achievement of her professional MMA career which earned her a title shot at UFC 297. However, that's when the controversy surrounding the Brazilian began due to a positive drug test and subsequent ban.
Why was Mayra Bueno Silva suspended?
In an Instagram post following the fight against Holm, Silva revealed that she had failed a drug test. However, she maintained her innocence and stated that the banned substance stemmed from her medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD as it is more commonly known.
The Brazilian took to Instagram and wrote:
"It is with deep regret that I have to announce I failed a drug test that I took the week of my fight against Holly Holm. I want to begin by saying I have never in my life taken a substance to enhance my ability in or outside the cage."
She added:
"I have test positive for a substance that is consistent with the prescription medication I take for my ADHD. I have been dealing with this disorder my entire life and it affects me in a multitude of ways."
In a detailed statement, Silva also added that she 'discontinued' this medication at the 'beginning of fight week' and that experts had assured her that the trace amounts found in her system would 'not have an effect' on her performance.
For the failed test, Mayra Bueno Silva was given a four-and-a-half-month suspension and was fined 15% of her purse.
Mayra Bueno Silva thanked the UFC for supporting her through the suspension
Mayra Bueno Silva was expected to fight Raquel Pennington for the vacant UFC women's bantamweight title at UFC 297 in January. However, reports suggested that the fight could be canceled due to Silva's positive drug test. Additionally, it was rumored that the Brazilian fighter was removed from the UFC roster.
However, the fight was never canceled and Silva expressed her gratitude to the UFC for supporting her through the controversial chapter of her career:
"The UFC did everything for me; this was bullsh**, everyone knows. Thank you to the UFC, and thank you, Hunter (Campbell)." [H/T Verdict MMA]
Silva went on to compete against Pennington for the title but lost the fight via unanimous decision. She is now set to return to completion against Macy Chiasson at UFC 303 on June 29.