Is This The End Of Anderson Silva’s Career?
Anderson Silva’s failed drug test is huge news, in fact, it’s the biggest story I’ve ever personally reported. It is massively significant on so many levels, perhaps none more so than the fact that it may have just put an end to the an incredible career. “The Spider” has long been recognized as the ‘Greatest Of All Time’ in mixed martial arts, but even that may have been marred.
The longest reigning champion in history, possibly the most beloved Brazilian sportsman of this millennium so far has been popped for PEDs (performance enhancing drugs). This is without doubt the biggest drug test fail in UFC history, no-one with as much clout and draw has ever been popped for steroids, period.
We are used to the routine followed by most high profile athletes that fail drug tests, but how does Anderson Silva respond? Does he apologize, does he try and provide an excuse? It doesn’t seem like anything would make amends at this stage, although we are devoid of a bunch of information; what treatment did he receive from his doctors for his formerly broken leg in the last few months? This, perhaps above all else, could be crucial in at least exonerating “The Spider” from being labelled a ‘juice head’.
Maybe you’ll want to believe that this was an oversight by a doctor, but surely these guys are aware of the banned substance list when treating fighters, let alone the biggest name in combat sports today. Silva’s return to the octagon was buoyed by praise from his fellow fighters, awe exuding from his large fan base, and a veritable king’s welcome from the Zuffa banner. As hard as this is to swallow, Anderson Silva’s failed drug test is the end of his career.
Whether he receives a minimum sentence of mine months on the sidelines, and even if it turns out the doctor accidentally jabbed Silva with two different PEDs, surely there is no way back for Silva. The UFC might think differently given his monetary value to them, but how will such a proud man from a nation of emotional fans be able to compete after this?
Failed drug tests are becoming more commonplace as the MMA world embraces stricter drug testing laws, but who would’ve thought that 2015 would see both Jon Jones and Anderson Silva fail drug tests? “Bones” was popped for a recreational drug of course, but is at a much younger stage in his career. The UFC swiftly moved to cover the tracks of Jon’s discrepancies, but it’s likely that the same will be impossible for “The Spider”.
The pill may be tough to swallow, but it looks like this may be the end of an illustrious career for Anderson Silva. He started fighting way back in 1997, during the dark ages of MMA, and has provided fans with countless classic moments and jaw-shattering finishes. Another MMA legend bites the dust.
