Mayra Bueno Silva released a statement regarding a failed drug test before her latest UFC win.
On July 15, Bueno Silva headlined UFC Vegas 77 against Holly Holm. At the 38-second mark of round two, ‘Sheetara’ locked in a standing ninja choke and submitted Holm to make a statement in the women’s bantamweight division.
Unfortunately, Bueno Silva’s win against Holm could be turned into a no-contest. The Brazilian title contender revealed she failed a drug test for a medication allegedly used for ADHD. She had this to say in an extended Instagram post:
“To all of my fans, It is with deep regret that I have to announce I failed a drug test that I took the week of my fight against Holly Holm. I want to begin by saying I have never in my life taken a substance to enhance my ability in or outside the cage. I have tested positive for a substance that is consistent with the prescription medication I take for my ADHD. I have been dealing with this disorder my entire life and it affects me in a multitude of ways.”
Bueno Silva is the number three-ranked fighter in the women’s 135-pound division. Due to Amanda Nunes retiring, ‘Sheetara’ had a chance to fight for the vacant title in her next Octagon appearance. The 32-year-old could lose the opportunity because it’s unclear what her punishment will be for the failed drug test.
MAYRA BUENO SILVA NINJA CHOKE TO SUBMIT HOLLY HOLM #UFCVegas77 pic.twitter.com/UbUoFTlPAE
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) July 16, 2023
Mayra Bueno Silva plans to cooperate with USADA before returning to the Octagon
Some athletes who fail drug tests continue to deny their actions, even after being suspended. As for Mayra Bueno Silva, she plans to work with USADA and the Nevada State Athletic Commission to resolve her situation.
During Silva’s extended message on Instagram, she further explained what led to her failed drug test and what’s next by saying:
“I have provided a plethora of documents and explanations to USADA and the Nevada State Commission detailing the disorder, the effects of the disorder on my daily life and my decision making in the ingestion of the prescription medicine. I am fully cooperating with USADA, the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the UFC to make sure that all information is available and I fully acknowledge the presence of the substance in my system.”
Bueno Silva concluded by saying:
“I discontinued this medication at the beginning of fight week, like I always have in the past. So while it appeared in a small amount in my system, I am told by experts that it would not have an effect on my in-competition performance at that level…I look forward to coming to a resolution and putting this behind me. I look forward to fighting again for the best organization in the world. I am the next champion and I am ready to fight!”
Mayra Bueno Silva made her UFC debut in September 2018 after earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. Since then, she’s established a 6-2-1 promotional record, including her current five-fight win streak. Only time will tell what the repercussions will be for Bueno Silva’s failed drug test.
