Dana White Backs Anderson Silva, Keeps Him as TUF Brazil 4 Coach | MMAWeekly.com

The UFC on Tuesday issued a general statement showing support for Anderson Silva following the revelation that he tested positive for steroids in a Jan. 9 out-of-competition drug test.

The statement was the UFC’s usual fare, supporting Silva, while also respecting the Nevada Athletic Commission and its drug testing process.

On Wednesday, UFC president Dana White issued a statement with a more detailed show of support for Silva. White’s statement included announcing that the former UFC middleweight champion would remain as a head coach opposite Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on season four of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil, which is currently in production in Las Vegas.

“Anderson Silva has been one of the greatest athletes this sport has ever seen. He has had a long and distinguished career in mixed martial arts. In his nine years with the UFC, Anderson has never tested positive for a banned substance,” said White.

“In light of this, we want to ensure that Anderson gets his due process and we will support him during this time. While this process plays out, Anderson will continue in his role as coach of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil. Of course we will continue to monitor the actions of the Nevada State Athletic Commission,” he continued.

“We fully support the Commission’s out-of-competition drug testing program, which we have financed when requested over the past two years. Testing of this nature is important to help keep the sport clean. The director at the laboratory in Salt Lake City has now explained the timing of Anderson’s test results and why the Commission and the UFC did not receive the results until February 3, after the fight.

“Once all the results have been made public and the Nevada State Athletic Commission has rendered its decision, we will respect the process and move forward accordingly.”

Silva is currently under a temporary suspension, at least until he has a hearing before the Nevada Athletic Commission. The commission’s executive director, Bob Bennett confirmed Silva’s status to MMAWeekly.com on Wednesday.

> SEE ALSO: Anderson Silva Speaks Out, Proclaims Innocence 

Silva could address the commission at its Feb. 17 meeting, but does not have to address the commission that soon. He has twenty days from the written notice of his positive drug test in which to respond. So he is within his rights to respond after the Feb. 17 date.

If that happens, the soonest Silva would go before the commission for a full hearing would be at the commission’s regularly scheduled meeting in March, which has yet to be scheduled.

With Silva proclaiming his innocence, it is likely to take some time for the situation to play out. By that time, he’ll likely be done filming TUF Brazil 4.

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