Drugs and sports seem to go hand on hand with athletes, irrespective of the sport. All sports bodies around the world have stringent rules in place for those who violate drug codes.
Hence, the scene will be no different for one of the greatest fighters that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has ever seen, Anderson Silva, who has tested positive for anabolic steroids in an out-of-competition test on January 9.
Silva could face a heavy fine along with a lengthy suspension.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) conducted the test, and informed about Silva's positive test to UFC.
"On Feb. 3, 2015, the UFC organization was notified by the NSAC that Anderson Silva tested positive for drostanolone metabolites on his Jan. 9 out of competition drug test," the UFC said in a statement.
"UFC's understanding is that further testing will be conducted by the commission to confirm these preliminary results.''
Silva was tested for blood and urine on Jan 9, 19 and 31, but the January 19 test results are still not available.
Silva is looked upon by many as a great champ in the sport with many idolising him as well, but this could bring a bad reputation to not only the fighter but also the sport.
So, understandably, UFC is disappointed with the test results.
"Anderson Silva has been an amazing champion and a true ambassador of the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC, in Brazil as well as around the world. UFC is disappointed to learn of these initial results," added the statement.
The star not only tested positive for anabolic steroids, but also a second steroid, androstane, as revealed by ESPN, who got hold of Silva's lab report.
It was only during the weekend that Silva returned to fight after being absent for more than a year. He defeated Nick Diaz, at UFC 183 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
To lend an even bad image to the championship, Silva's opponent, Diaz also tested positive for marijuana metabolites during a post-fight drug test.
But, this is not unknown territory for Diaz, who had earlier tested positive for marijuana.
He was suspended in 2007 for six months and a year in 2012 for the same.
NSAC officials are expected to meet on February 17, where both men could be suspended temporarily.
