Final decision on the Spider case (photo) will only take place in March. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
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This Tuesday (17), the case Anderson Silva gained a new chapter with the confirmation that the fighter failed a second anti-doping test, this time after the fight against Nick Diaz at UFC 183, and also tested positive for new substances, in this case anxiolytics. In addition, Anderson was also temporarily suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission until his case is evaluated at a disciplinary hearing in March.
Given the new facts, the SUPER FIGHTS listed and clarified the main topics raised after the preliminary hearing in Las Vegas (USA) and what changes in Spider's case after the new doping and the Brazilian's temporary suspension.
Anderson Silva case
How many exams Anderson Silva did and how many times was he caught using illegal substances? Furthermore, what were these substances?
Anderson Silva carried out three tests: two surprise out-of-competition exams (on 09/01 and 19/01) and one after the fight against Nick Diaz at UFC 183. He was caught using banned substances in two of these tests, the surprise exam on January 09th and also in the post-fight test. In the surprise test, traces of two anabolic steroids were found in his body, Drostanolone and Androsterone. In the post-fight exam, the fighter tested positive for Drostanolone and two benzodiazepines (anxiolytics), Oxazepam and Temazepam.
And how was Anderson caught in an exam on January 9th and another on the 31st, but not in the test carried out on the 19th, between these two dates?
The explanation for this lies in the half-life of substances in the body, or the time that substances remain in the system of those who use them. In the test on January 9th, traces of the two anabolic steroids were found, which did not happen in the test on the 19th, when the substances had already left the fighter's system. Therefore, as he was caught again in a test on the day of the fight, Anderson again used the substance between the 19th and 31st of January.
What are the anxiolytics detected in the post-fight examination of Anderson Silva and are they substances considered banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)?
Oxazepam and Temazepam are benzodiazepines used mainly to treat insomnia and sleep disorders. Substances are not banned by WADA.
But why were they included in the Spider doping case?
The issue in this case was the omission of the use of these substances. Fighters are authorized to use medications such as aspirin, antibiotics and decongestants, as long as they inform the Athletic Commission on the form signed before the fight. However, if they use harder drugs, such as benzodiazepines found in the Anderson Silva, fighters need to make a prior request and start consumption only after authorization from the regulatory body. As he did not make a prior request and omitted to use the substances until the results were made public, Anderson contradicted the regulations.
How does the preliminary hearing that defined the temporary suspension of Anderson Silva and why didn't he attend?
The fighter's presence is requested by the Athletic Commission, but is not mandatory. In addition to going in person, the accused can also meet the commissioners by phone or send a legal representative in person or not. Anderson chose to have the contact mediated by his lawyer, and this does not make his situation with the Commission worse or better. The preliminary hearing held this Tuesday only defined that the athlete will remain suspended until a final decision on the case is taken, in a disciplinary meeting to be scheduled for the month of March – when, then, Anderson will be obliged to attend.
When does the disciplinary hearing for the fighter's trial take place and what is the procedure until then?
The disciplinary hearing does not yet have an official date, but it is expected to take place in March. Until then, Anderson has 20 days to, together with his lawyers, gather all the necessary paperwork and respond to the complaint, otherwise he will be assuming all the charges and will no longer have the right to defend himself.
How does this new test change the Brazilian's situation, can he no longer be a first-time offender because he failed a second test?
A priori, Anderson Silva He does not cease to be a first-time offender because he has tested positive in a second examination, since the condition concerns a defendant who was not convicted by a final and unappealable sentence (that is, from which one can no longer appeal). The main change in the case due to this second examination should be in its assessment by the Athletic Commission, but this depends on how the trial will go in March. Furthermore, with a second positive test, the already small chances of contamination or laboratory error, raised after the first Spider test, are further reduced.
What is the recommended penalty for Anderson Silva for the case?
The attorney general of Nevada, Christopher Eccles, requests that the fighter be fined an amount that could reach US$250 (approximately R$707, at the current rate). Furthermore, the fight against Nick Diaz should have its result changed to a “No Contest” and Anderson could receive a suspension of nine months or more without receiving a license from the Athletic Commission. Finally, in his next fight, the Brazilian must present a urine test with a negative result for anabolic steroids when he requests his license.
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