Silva fails 2nd drug test, suspended temporarily by NSAC along with Diaz and Lombard

Former middleweight champion Anderson Silva failed a second drug test moments after defeating Nick Diaz at UFC 183 on Jan. 31. 

Silva tested positive for the anabolic steroid Drostanolone metabolites, the same drug he tested positive for on Jan. 9, according to ESPN's Brett Okamoto. Both tests were administered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Another banned substance was found to be in his system after the fight, anti-anxiety medication Oxazepam and Temazepam, which is used to treat sleep deprivation.

After the first tests came back, Silva was facing a nine-month suspension. But following the second round of results, NSAC executive director Bob Bennett isn't sure he believes that Silva unknowingly took the drugs, and that the suspension might be elongated.

"I can't speak for the (NSAC) Chairman nor can I speak for the commissioners," Bennett said. "But something I find particularly concerning is that he tested positive on Jan. 9th and then he tested negative on Jan. 19th. 

"If he took this orally, it only stays in your system five-to-seven days."

Silva, who is still tabbed by many as the greatest fighter to ever step in the octagon, has never tested positive for any banned substances in his illustrious career. 

So it comes as no surprise that he continues to vehemently deny his involvement with banned substances.

"I have not taken any performance-enhancing drugs," Silva said after the initial failed test. "My stance on drugs is and will always be the same. 

"I'm an advocate for a clean sport."

The NSAC temporarily suspended Silva on Tuesday, along with Nick Diaz and Hector Lombard. All three failed drug tests in January. 

Fox Sports' Damon Martin writes:

The motion passed unanimously by the commission for all three fighters to face a temporary suspension until a full disciplinary hearing can be held.

The commission will work with the Attorney General and the parties for all three camps to schedule dates for the hearings.

The hearings will likely take place in March or April.