Refusal to take anti-doping tests Wanderlei Silva and Gabigol in a controversial chapter. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Two idols, two rejections, a stain on the legacy. In different modalities, but under the same suspicion of irregularity, Wanderlei Silva and Gabigol come together in a controversial chapter for Brazilian sport. Both, at different times, refused to take anti-doping tests.
In May 2014, the “Mad Dog” turned down a surprise test from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) at his Las Vegas gym. At the time, he was preparing to face Chael Sonnen No. UFC, a fight that ended up cancelled.
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Claiming the use of anti-inflammatories and diuretics, Wanderlei feared being caught using banned substances and chose not to provide the samples. The episode resulted in a three-year suspension for the UFC and marked the end of his time with the organization.
In 2024, history repeated itself, but with another protagonist. Flamengo striker Gabigol was suspended for two years for making it difficult to take an anti-doping test.
Despite having performed the test and presenting a negative result, the delay in responding to collection officials and failure to comply with instructions constituted fraud or attempted fraud, according to the Brazilian Anti-Doping Code.
Cases of Wanderlei Silva and Gabigol
Although Wanderlei and Gabigol's refusals share the same unsportsmanlike nature, the circumstances and developments of the cases differ. The fighter, aware of the risk of doping, chose to avoid the exam and was punished with a stricter suspension. The player, despite having taken the test, was found guilty of hindering the process, receiving a lesser sentence.
The refusals had negative impacts on their careers and the sport as a whole. The “Crazy Dog” had his UFC legacy tarnished and his career cut short. The center forward, in addition to the suspension, faces controversy in the last year of his contract with Flamengo.
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