Anderson Silva's claim of innocence may all be for naught at this point, although the Brazilian UFC fighter continues to deny that he had used performance-enhancing drugs (PEDS) leading to his Aug. 13 bout with Nick Diaz.
The episode is a dark moment for the Spider, a supposed glorious comeback into the Octagon after being sidelined due to a broken leg.
For those who are unaware, Silva was meted a 12-month suspension and fined a record $380,000 for having tested positive for steroids for that match. Topping it all off was the fact that his win was overturned and ruled a no contest.
Even though the air on the issue may have simmered down, a nemesis in Chael Sonnen gave his piece on the matter.
Sonnen is no stranger to such drug test-related issues, having failed multiple tests up to his last match with Wanderlei Silva in 2013. Although Sonnen currently serves as a mixed martial arts (MMA) correspondent for ESPN, he is expected to return to active duty after his two-year ban is lifted in 2016.
For Sonnen, Silva's continued claim was an act of insult towards the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). This had something to do with the Spider's claim that a blue vial he received was used for enhanced sexual performance.
The alleged substance was found to contain steroid drostanolone, a flagged substance found in the test results.
With Silva out until probably Jan. 31 and Sonnen planning to return after a two-year hiatus, the two could end up facing each other as early as February 2016.
Silva and Sonnen are no strangers to each other. Sonnen had challenged Silva twice before (2010 and 2012). Sonnen is 0–2 against Silva, but it looks like the records don't matter to the American mixed martial artist who is now 38 years old.
Could Sonnen's comments be part of a plan to lure Silva into that planned 2016 fight?
