A. Silva (photo) gave his first video interview since the doping case came to light. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Without speaking publicly since it was announced that he had tested positive for banned substances before and after UFC 183, Anderson Silva gave his first video interview this Wednesday (04). In the United States, Spider, who had refused to record any statement on other occasions, commented on the controversial case in which he is involved. Anderson said he was surprised by what happened, projected his return to the octagon for next year and, believe me, he hinted that this could happen with a rematch against Nick Diaz.
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“I don't know what happened, I'm surprised. When my manager called me and said: 'Anderson, we have a problem, because you were tested by the commission and (the result) was bad'. So I said, 'What? I don't know what happened', said Spider, in an interview with the website “TMZ”. “When the commission says it's over, I'll go back to fighting, I'll talk to my fans and that's it. I think I'll come back next year and I think there might be a rematch against Nick Diaz. I respect the Commission and when this is all over, I will fight Nick”, he added.
Furthermore, Spider again mentioned the hypothesis that there may have been contamination from a supplement he had been using and said he was willing to help the Nevada Athletic Commission in the outcome of the case. “Yeah (it could have been something related to the medicine for the leg), but I don’t know. I need to check all the supplements I use because I have never failed the Athletic Commission in this sport. I am very happy because the Commission has helped me and I also help them, I will work together with them. Because I think this is bad for the sport, it's bad for my life, because I've never used anything to improve my performance”, he guaranteed.
After being caught taking anti-doping tests before and after UFC 183, Anderson is awaiting the disciplinary hearing at which he will be judged. The meeting does not yet have an official date, but it should take place in March. Until then, Spider, who was caught using anabolic steroids and anxiolytic medications, is provisionally suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission, responsible for the case. If he is convicted by the regulatory body, the Brazilian could be suspended for nine months or more, receive a fine and see his victory over Nick Diaz be reversed into a No Contest (fight without result).
Watch the video (in English) and see the translation of Spider's interview:
Reporter: What do you have to say to your fans about failing your drug test?
Anderson Silva: So, I don't know what happened. I am surprise. When my manager called me, he said: “Anderson, we have a problem, because you went (sic) to the Commission test and it is bad”. And I said, “What? I do not know what happened".
R: So people are saying maybe you were just trying to get your leg back, is that true?
TO THE: Yeah, I know, but I don't think so. I need to check all the supplements I use, because I have never failed the Commission in this sport. I'm very happy because the Commission helps me and I help the Commission, I'm going to work together with the Commission, because I think this is bad for the sport and very bad for me and my life. I never used anything to alter my performance in the fight.
R: Do you think your reputation is damaged?
TO THE: I do not think. I will see my doctor and the Commission doctor for testing on all my supplements. So, when the Commission says “Ready!”, I'll go back to fighting and I'll talk to my fans and that's it.
R: So, will we see you back again in a year?
TO THE: That, I think next year.
R: the technician of Nick Diaz said the fight should be reversed (in a No Contest), what do you think?
TO THE: I think there could be a rematch against them, yes.
R: Are you in for a rematch?
TO THE: Yes, absolutely, with Nick Diaz.
R: Are you ready for a rematch?
TO THE: Yes, I'm ready. I respect the Commission and when this is all over, I will fight Nick.
R: Do you know the rapper “50 Cent”? Did he say he's going to bet $1,6 million on Floyd Mayweather (on the boxing fight against Manny Pacquiao)?
TO THE: Wow! Hey “50”, you should put that money towards my next fight against Nick Diaz.
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