UFC middleweight Wanderlei Silva skipped out on a random drug test May 24 after taking diuretics ahead of a scheduled fight with Chael Sonnen. Silva admitted to the behavior Tuesday, through his attorney Ross Goodman, during a meeting with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Silva began taking diuretics and anti-inflammatories after suffering a fracture to his right wrist. The injury occurred during an altercation with Sonnen while the two were opposing coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3."
"In February of this year, he injured his wrist," Goodman said at the meeting. "He was scheduled to fight [in May]. In early May, X-rays confirmed he had fractured his right wrist. The UFC moved the fight to July 5.
"Mr. Silva, regretfully, at that time, started taking diuretics. He was taking diuretics for the sole purpose of minimizing the inflammation and [decreasing] water retention."
Silva was slated to face Sonnen at UFC 175 on July 5 in Las Vegas, but Silva was removed from the event after NSAC officials informed the promotion it would not sanction the former Pride 205-pound champion for avoiding the random test. The fight was originally slated for UFC 173 in May but was rescheduled when Silva said he needed additional time to fully recover from the wrist injury.
Jim Guernsey, who was assigned by NSAC to administer the test and collect samples, said he called Silva by phone at his home in Las Vegas to set up an exam. But there was no answer at Silva's residence. Guernsey also was unable to reach the fighter at a cell phone number provided to him.
Shortly thereafter, Guernsey arrived at the gym where Silva trains. Guernsey spoke to one of the fighter's representatives, who informed him that Silva was at the premise.
After spotting Silva, the drug administrator followed the fighter in an attempt to conduct the test, but he soon lost him. Silva had apparently ducked out of the gym.
"I asked [his representative] if [Silva] was at the gym, and he said 'yes.' He [Silva] went into an office in the middle of the gym and came out after only a few seconds.
"He walked back to the front counter and then past the office and toward the back of the gym and around to the right. I casually followed behind him, and when I turned around the corner, I realized there was an exit and bathroom."
Guernsey said he checked inside the bathroom, but no one was in there, and "came to the conclusion [Silva] had left."
Silva confirmed that the incident occurred as Guernsey described it.
The 37-year-old Silva has a pro record of 35-13-1 with 1 no contest. Silva has not fought since March 2013 when he registered a second-round knockout of Brian Stann in Saitama, Japan.
The meeting Tuesday was conducted to gather information; Silva, therefore has not yet received punished for his actions. The NSAC, however, is expected to punish him at a later date.
Sonnen announced his retirement after failing a random drug test in May.
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