· Thiago Silva Drug Test Results Revealed, Fighter Admits Tampering

Once the Nevada State Athletic Commission issues punishment for tampering with a urine sample, the UFC will likely lose one of their light heavyweight contenders for the remainder of 2011. Thiago Silva's post-fight drug test for UFC 125 has been under much scrutiny for the past several weeks, after it was announced he was being pulled from a bout with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in May. No reason was given other than his A sample was inconclusive and the B sample was under scrutiny.

It was revealed earlier this week that the sample was not consistent with that of human urine, and Silva subsequently admitted tampering with the sample. Explaining the reasoning behind using a prohibited substance, Silva offered an apology and a reason why he tampered with the sample in a statement issued from his camp, American Top Team:

I suffered a severe back injury shortly before the Rashad Evans fight. It was the biggest fight of my career, and there was no way I was going to pull out of it. I fought and lost and was out of action for a year rehabilitating the injury and getting ready to fight again. I reinjured my back 45 days before the fight with Brandon Vera. 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.

The prohibited substance has not been specified other than Silva admitting it was injected into his back and spine to allow him to continue to train for the fight. In the United States, the athletic commissions in each state test for a variety of substances besides performance enhancers. Some medications are prohibited, as are recreational drugs. Notable fighter Nick Diaz had a win over Takanori Gomi overturned to a no-contest due to testing positive for marijuana.

The fight with Brandon Vera that led to the positive drug test was a dominant win for Silva who will likely see the result changed to a no contest. Vera was originally released from the organization following the loss but was reinstated when the drug test discrepancy came to light. With the victory removed, Silva's record falls to 1-2 and 1 no contest in his last four fights after starting his career 13-0.

Photo: Sherdog.com