https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Silva#Return_from_injury_and_failed_drug_tests
Return from injury and failed drug tests
Despite calls for Silva to retire from MMA,[77] it was confirmed on July 29, 2014 that Silva would return to the organization. Before UFC 179, Silva and UFC agreed on a new, 15-fight contract that replaced their previous deal which had eight fights remaining.[78]
On October 29, 2014, it was announced that Silva would coach opposite
MaurĂcio Rua for
The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4, which began filming in early 2015. Despite being coaches on the show, the two fighters will not face each other at the end of the season.
[79] Silva's continued participation was briefly in doubt during the filming after the announcement of his failed drug test. Initially, Dana White announced that Silva would remain on the show as a coach.
[80] Subsequently, Silva was pulled as one of the coaches and was replaced by
AntĂ´nio Rodrigo Nogueira.
[81]
In his first fight post-injury, Silva faced
Nick Diaz in the main event of
UFC 183 on January 31, 2015.
[82] He won the fight via unanimous decision. In the days after the fight, it was revealed that Silva tested positive for
Drostanolone and
Androstane, two
anabolic steroids, in pre-fight drug screening on January 9, 2015.
[83][84] Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman Francisco Aguilar confirmed that the fight has not yet been overturned and can't be until a motion is passed by a majority of the commission. Any penalties, suspensions or changes to the outcome of the fight have to be presented as a motion and then voted on by the commission to enact the order.
[85] On February 11, 2015, it was reported that Silva tested positive for an additional unknown illegal substance in a separate test that was related to UFC 183.
[86] On February 17, 2015 NSAC executive director Bob Bennett confirmed to ESPN.com that Silva failed his postfight urine test and that Silva had tested positive for the steroid Drostanolone—the same banned substance he tested positive for during an out-of-competition test taken on January 9, 2015. Silva also tested positive for the anti-anxiety medication
Oxazepam and
Temazepam, which is used to treat sleep deprivation.
[87]
On August 13, after several reschedules, the disciplinary hearing was held to decide on the subject. Silva's defense argued that a tainted
sexual enhancement drug that a friend have given to Silva after a trip to Thailand was the root of the two failed tests for drostanolone and also appealed to mistakes in the NSAC testing procedures, pointing to a pair of drug tests, one on Jan. 19 and one after the fight, which Silva passed. He admitted to using both benzodiazepines the night prior to the fight as therapy to control stress and help him sleep. Silva's team was unable to explain the presence of androsterone in the Jan. 9 test. The commission rejected the defense and suspended him for one year retroactive to the date of the fight, as the current guidelines were not in effect at the time of the failed tests. He was also fined his full win bonus, as well as 30% of his show money, totaling $380,000. His victory was overturned to a no contest.
[88][89][90]
In his first fight after his PED suspension was lifted, Silva faced
Michael Bisping on February 27, 2016 at
UFC Fight Night 84.
[91] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. However, the fight was not without controversy as Silva dropped Bisping with a flying knee at the end of round three and believed he had won the bout. Referee Herb Dean said the fight was not over and it continued for another two rounds to the decision.
[92] Both participants were awarded
Fight of the Night honors.
[93]