Coach of Mayra Bueno Silva Claims Fighter Cleared of Wrongdoing, Awaits Suspension

According to her coach, top Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight Mayra Bueno Silva should be ready to return to competition sooner than later.

On July 15, Silva secured the biggest win of her pro career by submitting Holly Holm with a ninja choke in their main event of UFC on ESPN 49. However, the Brazilian announced in August that she had failed her post-fight drug test, breaking the news before it spread from other sources. Silva claimed that she did not intentionally violate the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency ban on the substance, later determined to be ritalinic acid, a stimulant also known as Ritalin or Concerta. She stated that she took the prescribed medication to treat her ADHD, and that she stopped taking it a week before the fight to let it clear out of her system.

Sherdog spoke to Silva’s coach at American Top Team, Marcos da Matta, more famously known as “Parrumpinha,” who discussed her situation. Da Matta thanked the UFC for working with them on this matter, while decrying the punishment levied by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on his fighter.

“USADA cleared Mayra because she didn't do anything wrong,” he said. “She uses the medication for ADHD and always made everyone aware of that, stopping its use during fight week. She has all the paperwork to prove it. Now we are waiting for the commission to make a statement, something that should happen in the next few days, but we are expecting a six-month suspension. Our lawyer will try to reduce this punishment as much as possible.”

On Thursday, the commission extended her temporary sentence, as the investigation is still ongoing. It is unclear if Silva or her team sought a therapeutic use exemption for the substance. Despite anticipating a punishment, “Parrumpinha” was pleased with the UFC’s support, as they confirmed that Silva remains a potential contender for the vacant bantamweight title.

“[The UFC is] providing full support. They told us they wouldn’t remove Mayra from the rankings and that they want her to compete for the title. Now we just need the commission to announce how long is suspension, as that will define the next step for the title bout,” da Matta concluded.