Only a couple days after Dana White affirmed backing Anderson Silva and keeping him as a coach on TUF Brazil after he tested positive for PEDs, there is now a reversal. MMA Fighting reports that Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira will take over the coaching duties for Silva.
Globo, the Brazilian television partner for the UFC backed Silva despite the drug test. However, since the series is filmed in Las Vegas and Silva is temporarily suspended by the NSAC, he had to be removed from the show.
A portion of the announcement from UFC.com:
The Nevada State Athletic Commission, which regulates The Ultimate Fighter series’ exhibition fights filmed in Las Vegas, requested that Silva cease participation in the series as a result of his temporary suspension following the recently announced preliminary results of his January 9 pre-fight drug test for UFC® 183.
The UFC and Globo, the show’s Brazilian broadcaster, respect the Commission’s decision, which will allow Silva to focus his attention on the matter before the Commission. Anderson Silva has been an amazing champion and a true ambassador of the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC will continue to support him as this process unfolds.
Payout Perspective:
The removal of Silva as a coach may be a blow for those fans watching TUF Brazil. Since the show is in Vegas, the NSAC rules prevail and it makes sense that he’d have to be removed pending the commission hearing on February 17th. Did White foresee the NSAC request that the UFC remove Silva from the show prior to his statements to keep him on the show? Obviously not.
This athletic commission need to be told that it’s ‘out of order’, this is way out of their jurisdiction. Even if it’s happening in Nevada, this is a coaching job… he is not fighting or even promoting a fight, he is just coaching WTF. Hell, even when things are happening in another state, like when Chael was set to compete in a grappling match they still somehow felt like it was their right to interfere.
Ridiculous.
I’m sure it was a difficult decision, but it is the right one.