Mayra Bueno Silva Suspended And Fined Following Her Failed Test

In the latest MMA news, Mayra Bueno Silva has officially been suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission following her positive test after her UFC Vegas 77 victory over Holly Holm.

Reports indicate that the substance in question, ritalinic acid, was in relation to Silva’s ADHD medication. And as part of that process, Silva was adamant that she had not been using the substance for performance-enhancing benefits.

Although that may have been the case, her rivals were not convinced. Julia Pena branded Silva a ‘serial cheater.’

Silva’s Failed Test

“CHEAT-ara, living up to your nickname. Back to being a curtain jerker of an APEX card you go. You fought two 41 year olds this year and you had to cheat in order to get it done. Can’t pass a drug test? Keep my name out of your mouth, ya dumb broad,” Pena

Nevertheless, Silva did state that the medication was a prescription one that she had been using. In addition, the UFC had reportedly known about this. 

“I’m very sad for this because, first thing, this amount showing in my test, I don’t take in the competition. This is sad for me. I stopped taking the medication the Monday of fight week. I’ve done this a lot of times, and then this time, I don’t know what happened. I stopped on the Monday. This medication, it’s not doping, but I can take this out of competition, and I always stop on the Monday. I don’t know what has happened,” Silva

However, the fighter has now been suspended for 4.5 months, as well as being given a $11,250 fine in addition to the $314.50 legal fees that need covering. In addition, Silva’s win over Holm has been declared a no-contest. In response, this is what Silva had to say. 

Silva’s Reaction

“To all my fans. I want to thank you so much for your patience during this process with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. During today’s hearing the commission approved our agreement to be suspended for 4.5 months from the date of my last fight. I am so happy that the NSAC understood the battles of mental health I overcome daily and that with this agreement they have acknowledged I was in no way, shape or form looking for a competitive advantage with the medication I take for my illness. I want to thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates,” Silva stated

Ultimately, with USADA no longer working with the UFC, Drug Free Sport International will have to clear up their guidance when it comes to prescription medication.

And at a time when USADA was very vocal about the UFC not entirely being satisfied with their approach, it is vital that issues such as this get resolved.

After all, it could open up the floodgates for other fighters to claim a similar thing following a positive test. And given that MMA is a sport where the smallest percentage can make a difference, there has to clear rules in place for fighters to abide by.