You can always rely on Anderson Silva to pluck an unlikely silver lining from a dire situation. Last week the Brazilian was notified of a potential violation of the UFC’s anti-doping policy, which resulted in his removal from a UFC Fight Night 112 headliner against Kelvin Gastelum, and this week he attempted to rationalise the situation, calling it “a process of evolution”.
Not so much an apology, nor an admission of any wrongdoing, his so-called statement, posted to his social media accounts, suggests Silva is coming over all spiritual and inspirational at a time when MMA fans want answers, some truth, something real.
“Obviously I think everything is part of a process of evolution,” he wrote. “With each passing day, I can learn more about who I am. I’m here to thank all my fans, especially my coaches and all the contributors for this long journey. I can’t express my feelings and how sad I am, because we all invest love, passion and time in this camp. I don’t know exactly the plans of God for me. But anyway, I can only thank him and all of you for the love and affection. Nothing is more gratifying at this moment than having you by my side. I will not give up, much less stop doing what I love. Not because of fame or money, it’s because I love to fight. So no matter what happens from now on, nothing changes. My plans are the same. Nothing has changed. A big kiss for everyone and see you soon.”
If only Lance had offered kisses. All might have been forgiven.
This is 42-year-old Silva’s first potential violation under the US Anti-Doping Agency program, but he did previously fail a drug test around the time of his fight with Nick Diaz in January 2015, which led to a one-year suspension and a $380,000 fine from the Nevada State Athletic Commission. That time he blamed the faux pas on a tainted sexual enhancer. This time, however, he has given up on specifics altogether. This time he has refused to even be drawn on the incident, let alone offer an excuse or reason why.
Perhaps he has chosen this route – wishy-washy statements and general ambiguity – because he figures there is no need to explain himself in this current climate, one awash with failed drug tests, and knows that tomorrow we’ll more than likely be bemoaning the next fighter to pop dirty.
