During a recent discussion with MMA Junkie, former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva spoke about the hot-button issue of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) in the sport of MMA.

In the UFC alone, “The Spider” has faced a number of guys who have been on PEDs, whether in a fight against him or another opponent, including Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Stephan Bonnar, Forrest Griffin, James Irvin, Nate Marquardt and Chris Leben.

Silva made it clear that he feels anyone who takes steroids or other forms of PEDs should no longer be allowed to compete.

“This is not bad for me, this is bad for the sport,” said Silva. “People around the world love the UFC, but the kids love the UFC, and the families love UFC. It’s bad for the sport. I don’t think this is good because the sport can change the lives of the kids and the people in the world.”

Silva continued, “When the guys test for the steroids, it’s bad because this is a problem. It’s bad not just for the UFC, but for the sport.”

“The Spider” went on to explain why he feels anyone who tests positive for PEDs should no longer be allowed to fight.

“When the guys test for the steroids, (they should have) no more fights. When you use the steroids, you use them for a long time. When you use the steroids for a long time, you have a problem. It’s a drug and it’s not good for the sport.”

Silva concluded, “(Steroids) make the sport bad. If you do the sport in a good light, you have a good life. That is my opinion.”

http://www.mmanews.com/anderson-silva-says-anyone-takes-steroids-fights/