Mayra Bueno Silva has seen her impressive second-round submission victory over former UFC champion Holly Holm officially overturned by the NSAC.
Per a report from MMA Fighting, the Nevada State Athletic Commission voted unanimously to change the win to a no-contest after Bueno Silva tested positive for ritalinic acid in a pre-fight drug test. Ritalinic acid is a major urinary metabolite of methylphenidate, otherwise known as Ritalin which is routinely used to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
In an August interview, Bueno Silva revealed that she has taken the medication for the last three years and has routinely stopped using it on the Monday before a scheduled fight.
“I stopped taking the medication the Monday of fight week,” Bueno Silva said. “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.”
Mayra Bueno Silva Slapped with a Four and a Half Month Suspension Plus Fines Following Positive Test
Following the NSAC’s ruling, Bueno Silva issued a statement on Instagram and appeared to be grateful for the commission’s understanding of the situation, granting her a reduced four-and-a-half-month suspension.
“I want to thank you so much for your patience during this process with the Nevada State Athletic Commission,” Bueno Silva wrote. “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.”
The suspension will be backdated to her July scrap with Holly Holm making her eligible to return on November 29, 2023. Bueno Silva will also be subject to additional testing 30, 15, and three days out from her next bout.
She will also be required to pay $11,250 which represents 15% of her fight purse and $314.08 in prosecution fees.
Currently sitting as the No. 3 ranked bantamweight contender in the women’s division, Bueno Silva was a perfect 4-0 dating back to 2022. With her win over Holm now reduced to a no-contest, it remains to be seen how that will affect her status as a contender for the still vacant 135-pound title.
