Dana White responded to Wanderlei's recent attitudes. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
UFC president, Dana White, spoke out for the first time to comment on all the recent episodes involving the Brazilian fighter Wanderlei Silva.
Last week, Wanderlei released a video in which he criticized the current UFC policy and, disgusted, announced his retirement from MMA. This Tuesday (23), the former PRIDE champion received a lifetime ban and a US$70 fine from the Nevada Athletic Commission for refusing to take a surprise drug test in May.
THE CASE WANDERLEI SILVA:
In a long outburst, Wanderlei blasts UFC and announces retirement
Wanderlei receives lifetime ban from commission for escape
Wanderlei guarantees: 'The war is just beginning'
Wanderlei argues: 'I wouldn't accept the UFC Hall of Fame'
Generally outspoken and harsh with his words, White adopted a calm and respectful tone when talking about the episodes involving the Brazilian, but highlighted that Wand made the criticisms in order to take the spotlight away from his problem with the commission. “I think he tried to put up a smokescreen. He did so just days before going on trial before the Nevada Athletic Commission. The guy ran from an anti-doping test… I've been saying for a long time that something serious was going to happen to him”, said Dana, in an interview with the UFC's official website.
Even though he predicted that something big could happen to Wand, White was surprised by the punishment imposed. “I wasn't expecting a lifetime ban, but probably the worst thing you can do is evade a drug test. You cannot escape an exam,” he added.
While Wanderlei accuses the UFC of treating its athletes poorly, White tried not to attack the Brazilian. “I never said anything bad about Wanderlei Silva in my life. I have always respected him and there is no way he can say that I or Lorenzo Fertitta [partner of the company that owns the UFC] disrespected him. There is nothing more that needs to be said”, concluded the leader.
Remember the case involving Wanderlei and anti-doping
In May, Wanderlei refused to take a surprise anti-doping test in preparation for his fight against Chael Sonnen at UFC 175 in July. At the time, Wanderlei said that he had not understood the commission employee's intentions, claiming that he was confused by the papers in English.
Days later, at the NSAC trial, Wand changed his version and claimed that he refused to take the exam because he had taken diuretics, a banned substance, in order to have a faster recovery from an injury he suffered in the fight with Sonnen during the recordings. from TUF Brazil.
As a result, a fight began between Wanderlei's representatives and the Nevada Commission. Wand's lawyer, Ross Goodman claimed that the NSAC did not have the authority to punish the Brazilian, as the fighter was not licensed by the entity when the surprise anti-doping test was requested. The commission, on the other hand, claimed that Wand was confirmed at an event in Las Vegas, and therefore should provide any type of sample when requested. The NSAC added that it saw the episode as an attempt by the fighter to “cheat without repercussions”.
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