The Nevada State Athletic Commission issued a 3-year suspension of former UFC fighter Wanderlei Silva on Wednesday. Silva’s suspension is retroactive to May 24, 2014, the date that he evaded a drug test in lead up to his fight with Chael Sonnen at UFC 175.
In addition to the suspension Silva will have to submit a clean drug test upon applying for a new license. There was no fine since a fight at UFC 175 never materialized. Previously, Silva was fined $70,000 and banned him for life. Silva filed a lawsuit seeking judicial review of the original NAC ruling.
Silva appealed the judicial review (despite the court reversing and remanding the NAC punishment) citing that the NAC did not have jurisdiction of Silva since he was an unlicensed fighter at the time that he evaded the drug test.
Payout Perspective:
The ruling could provide closure for Silva who will likely continue to fight. But, with the ruling from the NAC, Silva’s attorney may reinstate his appeal with the Nevada Supreme Court. A precursor to the legal court action was the NAC ruling. Even if Silva accepts the 3-year ban, it does not mean the 39 year old will have to wait to fight. He could fight overseas outside of the jurisdiction of the NAC. We shall see if there will be an appeal.
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