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Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz both fail drugs tests

Anderson Silva is widely considered to be the greatest UFC fighter of all time © Getty Images

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Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, widely considered the greatest fighter of all time, has tested positive for anabolic steroids.

The UFC announced on Tuesday that Silva, 39, had tested positive for the steroid drostanolone during a random out-of-competition test administered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on January 9. NSAC chairman Francisco Aguilar confirmed the positive test to ESPN.

ESPN obtained a copy of Silva's lab report, which indicates he also tested positive for a second steroid, androstane.

Silva (34-6) returned from a 13-month lay-off last weekend to defeat Nick Diaz by unanimous decision at UFC 183 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The NSAC said results of the pre-fight test were not available until Tuesday morning, which is why the fight was not cancelled.

Additionally, Aguilar informed ESPN that Diaz (26-10) tested positive for marijuana metabolites during a post-fight drug test. Aguilar said exact results were unavailable but confirmed Diaz's results were above the allowable limit of 150 ng/ML.

"On February 3 2015, the UFC organisation was notified by the NSAC that Anderson Silva tested positive for drostanolone metabolites on his January 9 out of competition drug test," the UFC said in a statement. "UFC's understanding is that further testing will be conducted by the commission to confirm these preliminary results.

"Anderson Silva has been an amazing champion and a true ambassador of the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC, in Brazil as well as around the world. UFC is disappointed to learn of these initial results."

According to Aguilar, Silva was tested on January 9, January 19 and January 31 - all blood and urine tests. Results of the out-of-competition January 19 test are currently unavailable.

Each fighter faces a potential fine and suspension. It marks the third marijuana-related offense for Diaz. The NSAC's next scheduled meeting is February 17. Silva and Diaz likely will be temporarily suspended at that time. Full disciplinary hearings will be scheduled for each.

ESPN reached out to Silva's and Diaz's camps for comment. Neither has responded at this time.

Diaz, 31, was suspended for six months in 2007, after he tested positive for the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, following a win over Takanori Gomi in Las Vegas. In May 2012, Diaz received a one-year suspension from the NSAC after again testing positive for marijuana metabolites following a loss to Carlos Condit at UFC 143.

He has publicly said he is a registered medical marijuana user within his home state for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Silva had never before tested positive for a banned substance in his nearly 18-year career.

This article originally appeared on ESPN.com

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