Dana White: UFC ‘going to support’ Anderson Silva regardless of NAC punishment

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Anderson Silva failed multiple failed tests before and after his UFC 183 bout with Nick Diaz, and UFC president Dana White "has no idea what’s going to happen" next.

Silva, along with Diaz -- who also failed a drug test -- are expected to appear in front of the Nevada Athletic Commission sometime in April. White told the media on Saturday night that he will continue to support the former middleweight champion.

"Anderson has been a huge part of this company and regardless of how this thing comes out, we’re going to support the guy," White told the media during the UFC Fight Night 62 post-fight press conference in Rio de Janeiro.

Reports in Brazil indicated that Silva would be suspended for 18 months for the positive tests -- for the steroids drostanolone andandrostane, and also the anti-anxiety medication Oxazepam and Temazepam, which helps treat sleep trouble -- but White quickly denied that information.

"He’s going to go before the Nevada Athletic Commission and I have no idea what’s going to happen," he said. "I know there were some rumors down here that he’s only going to get 18 months. I don’t believe that’s true and I don’t know how anyone would know anything like that. That’s just a rumor. We’ll see what happens when he goes before the commission."

Silva headlined UFC 183 against Diaz on Jan. 31, defeating the former Strikeforce welterweight champion via unanimous decision.