Anderson Silva returns to action, faces Michael Bisping

MANILA, Philippines – Following a one-year suspension after testing positive for anabolic steroids, former middleweight titleholder Anderson Silva is set to return to action as he locks horns with Michael Bisping in the main event of UFC Fight Night 83 on February 28, 2016 (PH Time).

Recognized by many as the greatest mixed martial arts fighter, Silva (33-6, 1 NC) was last seen inside the Octagon when he scored a lopsided decision victory over Nick Diaz in January of this year.

However, Silva’s unanimous decision win over Diaz was overturned to a no contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) when multiple banned substances were found in the 40-year-old Brazilian’s system.

Silva tested positive in his post-fight drug check for drostanolone metabolites, an anabolic steroid that has been mainly employed for bodybuilding.

Drostanolone is the same drug that was initially discovered during his out-of-competition screening on January 9.

Aside from drostanolone, anti-anxiety medicines oxazepam and temazepam were also present in his body.

Oxazepam has been used extensively since the 1960s for the treatment of anxiety, while temazepam is labeled as an anti-insomnia medication.

Drostanolone is debarred by the World Anti-Doping Agency code, which is followed by the commission.

However, oxazepam and temazepam are not forbidden by NSAC, but Silva failed to disclose them on his pre-fight medical questionnaire.

Along with the reverse of his bout’s outcome against Diaz, the commission handed Silva a 12-month suspension, which is retroactive to the date of his five-round meeting with the American stalwart.

On the other hand, Bisping (27-7) has won 3 of his last 4 UFC appearances and last competed this past July when he attained a 5-round split decision triumph over Thales Leites.

The 36-year-old Englishman was originally penciled to face Gegard Mousasi on the same fight card, but he was pulled out to pit him versus Silva.

Company officials are currently looking for a new opponent for Mousasi, who is still booked for UFC Fight Night 83.

UFC Fight Night 83 is scheduled to take place at Bisping’s backyard of The O2 in London, United Kingdom. – Rappler.com