Poll: After Failed Drug Tests, Should Anderson Silva Retire?
Former UFC middleweight champion and poster boy Anderson Silva is in the process of falling from grace this year. “The Spider” was hit with a failed drug test for roiding on January 9th, he then denied using any illegal substances. Passing a January 19th drug test raised the question of whether this was a bungled test (see Cung Le vs UFC).
A further two failed drug screens for anabolic steroids and sleeping/anxiety pills meant that Silva’s image was becoming more tarnished by the day. Leading on from his actual discrepancies, what’s next? Should Anderson Silva retire?
It’s a big question when you consider what the Brazilian star has done for the sport. Off of his back was built an empire, along with other legends of the sport, and this would be an ugly ending to his epic career. Firstly, he’ll be forty when his likely 9-month suspension ends, and secondly, how long has the former boss been taking PEDs (performance enhancing drugs)?
I remember a doctor remarking on Silva’s ‘miracle’ recovery, saying the average fighter would be out of action for 18 months with a broken leg. “”The Spider” was back in the octagon in just over a year; were we ignoring what was blatantly obvious the whole time, or had Silva simply started using after the crushing injury he took at UFC 168?
Back to the now, and “The Spider” will have to face the music in front of the Commission next month. Should Anderson Silva retire, or is this just a bump in the road?
