Issue 076

June 2011

Thiago Silva Suspended

UFC light heavyweight Thiago Silva has been suspended from competition for one year after submitting an Internet-bought urine sample during a drugs test for his UFC 125 bout with Brandon Vera. Silva’s specimen was found to have a suspiciously low level of testosterone inconsistent with an average fighter’s sample. Consequent tests discovered the presence of a urine adulterant used to hide steroid use.

In a public statement, Silva admitted the use of a masking agent and to knowingly breaking the rules of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). The American Top Team fighter explained that prior to the Vera fight he suffered a recurrence of a back injury suffered before a bout with Rashad Evans at UFC 108, stating: “After not fighting for a year, I made the decision to not pull out of the fight. I also decided that the only way I could continue with the fight was to take injections in my back and spine that contained substances prohibited by the Nevada Athletic Commission. I also made the decision to use a product to hide the presence of these substances in a urine test.” Silva added that he has passed drugs test on five prior occasions.

NSAC commissioner Keith Kizer stated that sample collection procedures for fights in Nevada may now have to be adjusted. “It might be a situation where inspectors have to go really close and look.”

Werdum Wants Dos Santos After GP Win

Heavyweight Fabricio Werdum has stated he wants a rematch with UFC big gun Junior Dos Santos after he wins the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix. Werdum recently revitalised his career after being the first man to legitimately beat highly rated Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko in June of 2010. The Brazilian ended up in Strikeforce after being knocked out by Dos Santos at UFC 90 in 2008 and would like to avenge the loss. Werdum said: “I want to win this grand prix, to earn a belt – because I’ve never won one – and fight the UFC’s champion. If it’s ‘Cigano’ (Junior Dos Santos) it would be a dream come true. To do a belt unifier fight and against Cigano, a rematch, it’d be perfect.”

Cage Warriors Gets UK TV Home

British promotion Cage Warriors has found a home on UK television channel Premier Sports. The organisation, which is home to Fighters Only contributors Rosi Sexton and Paul McVeigh, will have its Cage Warriors 41 event broadcast on the subscription channel on April 24th. Premier Sports is available on Sky channel 433.

600

The number of hopefuls that tried out for a slot on season 14 of The Ultimate Fighter