Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm has spoken out on Mayra Bueno Silva receiving a UFC title shot despite testing positive for an ADHD medication.
Back in July 2023, Holm and Silva shared the Octagon in the main event of a UFC Fight Night card. Initially, Silva was awarded the second-round submission finish via ninja choke. The result was changed to a no contest after Silva tested positive for Ritalin. Despite the circumstances, Silva was awarded a shot at the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. She lost the fight to Raquel Pennington at UFC 297 via unanimous decision.
“The Preacher’s Daughter” has now shared her thoughts on Silva’s positive test and title shot.
Holly Holm Addresses Mayra Bueno Silva Positive Test
During an appearance on “The MMA Hour,” Holly Holm told Ariel Helwani that while she won’t be using Mayra Bueno Silva’s drug test as an excuse for losing their fight, she doesn’t feel too great about the past title shot.
“I’m not gonna say that I think that’s the coolest thing,” Holm said. “I’m also not gonna sit here and say anything to the point where, ‘Oh, this is why I lost,’ or anything like that.”
Holm went on to fire back at those who say Silva’s failed drug test isn’t a big deal since it was for ADHD.
“I know a lot of people say, ‘Oh, she didn’t really pee dirty. She just had ADHD meds.’ There’s a reason why they’re banned,” Holm said. “They’re considered a performance enhancer. There’s all these details to it. Bottom line is, I’ll never make any excuse for my fight with her.”
Holm is in for a big fight at the historic UFC 300 pay-per-view event on April 13. She will meet former PFL lightweight champion Kayla Harrison inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
