Anderson Silva Vows ‘I Will Not Give Up’ Following Failed USADA Drug Test

In his first statement since being removed from the UFC Fight Night 122 headliner, Anderson Silva did not deny taking a banned substance.

Instead, the former middleweight champion promised to continue pursuing his passion “no matter what happens.” What that means going forward remains to be seen.

Silva was provisionally suspended and pulled from a middleweight clash against Kelvin Gastelum scheduled for Nov. 25 in Shanghai after being flagged for a potential anti-doping violation in an out-of-competition sample collected on Oct. 26. On Tuesday, “The Spider” released a statement via his Instagram account.

“Obviously, I think everything is part of a process of evolution, with each passing day, I can learn more about who I am. I’m here to thank all my fans, especially my coaches and all the contributors for this long journey. I can’t express my feelings and how sad I am, because we all invest love, passion and time in this camp, I don’t know exactly the plans of GOD for me, but anyway, I can only thank him and all of you, for the love and affection, nothing is more gratifying at this moment than having you by my side,” Silva wrote.

“I will not give up, much less stop doing what I love, not because of fame or money, it’s because I love to fight. So no matter what happens from now on, nothing changes, my plans are the same, nothing has changed. A big kiss for everyone and see you soon.”

It is not Silva’s first failed drug test. The 42-year-old Brazilan previously tested positive for two different anabolic steroids -- drostanolone metabolites and androstane -- prior to a January 2015 bout against Nick Diaz at UFC 183. He also tested positive for oxazepam, an anxiety medication, and temazepam, an anti-insomnia medication, in a post-fight drug test, along with drostanolone metabolites again. Silva claimed that a tainted sexual enhancement pill resulted in the positive test, but he was still suspended one year by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

Silva is still entitled to a full legal review process before any sanctions are imposed by USADA for his current violation. The one-time pound-for-pound king last appeared at UFC 208, where he earned his first win in six Octagon appearances with a controversial unanimous verdict over Derek Brunson.

Recently dethroned middleweight champion Michael Bisping agreed to replace Silva on short notice and will now face Gastelum in the new UFC Fight Night 122 headliner.

Obviously, I think everything is part of a process of evolution, with each passing day, I can learn more about who I am. I’m here to thank all my fans, especially my coaches and all the contributors for this long journey. I can’t express my feelings and how sad I am, because we all invest love, passion and time in this camp, I don’t know exactly the plans of GOD for me, but anyway, I can only thank him and all of you, for the love and affection, nothing is more gratifying at this moment than having you by my side. I will not give up, much less stop doing what I love, not because of fame or money, it’s because I love to fight. So no matter what happens from now on, nothing changes, my plans are the same, nothing has changed. A big kiss for everyone and see you soon. . Obviamente, acho que tudo faz parte de um processo de evolução, a cada dia que passa, consigo aprender mais sobre quem sou. Estou aqui para agradecer todos os meus fãs, principalmente meus treinadores e todos os colaboradores nesta longa jornada. Não tenho como expressar meus sentimentos e o quanto estou triste, pois todos nós investimos amor, paixão e tempo neste camping, não sei exatamente os planos de DEUS para mim, mas de qualquer maneira, só posso agradecer a ele e a todos vocês, mais uma vez, pelo amor e carinho de todos, nada é mais gratificante neste momento do que ter vocês ao meu lado. Não vou desistir, muito menos parar de fazer o que amo, não é pela fama ou pelo dinheiro, é porque amo lutar. Então, independente do que acontecer daqui pra frente, nada muda, meus planos são os mesmos, nada mudou. Um grande beijo pra todos e nos vemos em breve. . #spiderkick @spiderkick

A post shared by Anderson "The Spider" Silva (@spiderandersonsilva) on Nov 14, 2017 at 6:42pm PST