Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva will reportedly claim that his recently failed drug tests were the result of performance-enhancing drugs he used to aid his recovery from a broken leg.

The former longtime UFC middleweight champion failed drug tests both prior and after his win over Nick Diaz in UFC 183’s pay-per-view headliner on Jan. 31.

Following news of the failed tests, many supporters reflexively brought up Silva’s (34-6 MMA, 17-2 UFC) recovery from a horrific leg break he suffered in a December 2013 loss to champ Chris Weidman. They argued Silva was possibly using the anabolic steroids that were found in his system – along with anxiety and insomnia medications – in an attempt to get back in the cage after having a limb snapped in half.

It now appears that this is the exact tactic that Silva will use when he goes in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his still-to-be-scheduled disciplinary hearing, which is likely to take place this month or next.

A report by Brazilian website UOL states that Silva will claim he used the anabolic steroids drostanolone and androstane to strengthen muscles surrounding the site of his injury. The Silva camp will also argue that the use of anxiety medication oxazepam and insomnia medication temazepam was prescribed by a doctor to operate in combination to work similar to a muscle relaxant, according to the report.

Per the report, Silva representatives will claim the dosage of the anabolic steroids was low enough to not provide any competitive advantage and that they were not intentionally deceptive in their usage of the drugs.

Just a few weeks ago, Silva released a statement and claimed he’s always fought “clean” and “was never a cheater.”

Once in front of the NSAC, Silva faces potential punishments that include a suspension, fine and the overturning of his UFC 183 victory.

For complete coverage of UFC 183, check out the UFC Events section of the site.