Anderson Silva

By FCF Staff

Following the news that Anderson Silva has allegedly tested positive for steroids, the decorated fighter will no longer coach the upcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter Brazil” as scheduled.

Shortly after Silva’s drug tests were revealed, the UFC announced that the fighter would still coach TUF Brazil as expected. On Monday, however, it was announced he’s been pulled from the show. According to an announcement from the UFC, the Nevada State Athletic Commission has requested that Silva be removed from coaching the program, due to the fact he is temporarily suspended.

As a result of Silva’s withdrawal, the UFC has confirmed that Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira has been tapped to coach opposite of Maurcio “Shogun” Rua.

Silva is scheduled to appear in front of the commission on February 17th. The former middleweight champ has denied taking PEDs.

The UFC’s official announcement is below:

The UFC® announced today that Brazilian legend Rodrigo “Big Nog” Nogueira will join the cast of The Ultimate Fighter® Brazil 4, the organization’s signature television reality series, as coach following the departure of UFC middleweight Anderson Silva.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission, which regulates The Ultimate Fighter series’ exhibition fights filmed in Las Vegas, requested that Silva cease participation in the series as a result of his temporary suspension following the recently announced preliminary results of his January 9 pre-fight drug test for UFC® 183.

The UFC and Globo, the show’s Brazilian broadcaster, respect the Commission’s decision, which will allow Silva to focus his attention on the matter before the Commission. Anderson Silva has been an amazing champion and a true ambassador of the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC will continue to support him as this process unfolds.

The series, which began filming in Las Vegas on Monday, Feb. 2, originally featured Silva and former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua as head coaches. Rua will continue on as coach of Team Shogun versus the newly formed Team Nogueira, which will also include Big Nog’s twin brother Rogerio “Lil Nog” Nogueira as an assistant coach.