Ex-champ Anderson Silva vehemently denies taking PEDs: 'Nothing, never in my life'

Anderson Silva has vehemently denied using steroids and says he’s “excited” about the possible developments of his doping case.

Silva (34-8 MMA, 17-4), who hasn’t stepped into the octagon since February 2017, was flagged by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for a potential violation in November. The former middleweight kingpin was then pulled from a scheduled UFC Fight Night 122 headliner and placed under provisional suspension.

While he’s kept away from the media since, the former champ has taken to social media a few times, sharing clips of his training, inspirational quotes and a promise to be back. Now, speaking to TMZ Sports, he offered further insight on his case.

Asked whether he’d ever used performance-enhancing drugs, the ex-champ was categorical.

“Nothing, never in my life,” Silva said. “Because, first of all, my body never changed. Sometimes, the problem is – you use a different supplement and this (happens).”

Silva also reiterated that his team – doctor and lawyer included – has been collaborating with USADA and was “excited” in light of what he could hear back from them as early as next month.

“I’m just waiting,” Silva said. “Because the fight is my life.”

While this is Silva’s first run-in with USADA, this isn’t the first time he’s been in a doping-related situation. After a 2015 meeting with Nick Diaz, which Silva won convincingly, the ex-champ failed two tests. His defense pointed to tainted sexual enhancer and Silva was fined, had his win overturned and served a 12-month suspension.

A Nevada State Athletic Commission official then reprimanded the team for what he believed was a “soft testimony.”

To TMZ, Silva pointed to his defense team’s failure in the situation – and confirmed they’re going about it differently this time around.

“The first time, I tried to respond about everything,” Silva said. “But my laywers failed. It’s not my fault.”

Silva’s last UFC outing – which ended on a unanimous-decision win over Derek Brunson – snapped a winless skid that dated back to 2013. Still, Silva is widely considered one of MMA’s all-time-greats, having held the record for consecutive title defenses for years before flyweight kingpin’s Demetrious Johnson’s most recent win.

Asked whether he would still return even if a two-year suspension was issued, the 43-year old fighter side-stepped.

“I’m waiting for the USADA decision, but I’m very (excited to come back)” Silva said.

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