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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Brandon Vera will see the inside of the Octagon again after all.
Vera was released from the organization in January following his third consecutive loss, that coming to Thiago Silva at UFC 125 on New Year's Day; now, however, MMAJunkie.com reports that the decision loss is expected to be overturned to a "no contest" following additional scrutiny of Silva's post-fight drug screening, and thus Vera will be kept on the roster.
Silva's second sample is being tested at the moment, and should it come back as a failed test, as his "A" sample was, he'll be subject to a suspension and fine, and the fight would be called a "no contest."
The issue has already cost Silva one fight, as he was pulled from a UFC 130 meeting with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson this May. Depending on what he tested positive for, he'll be facing a suspension of at least six months to a year.
Vera will get an opportunity to turn his career around now, though he will be on a short leash with the organization going forward. Due to a medical suspension stemming from a broken nose in the Silva fight, there's no timetable yet for Vera's return to action.
Penick's Analysis: This is completely speculation, but I wouldn't be surprised in the least if Silva's failed test is due to painkillers. He's had a lengthy issue with his back, and has had some other injuries as well, and it could be a very similar situation to what happened with Karo Parisyan in his fight with Dong Hyun Kim in 2009. It's highly unfortunate regardless, but for Vera it gives him another opportunity in the UFC. He's never really lived up to the early expectations of his career, and he'll need to find out some way to get back on track or it won't be long before he is once again sent on his way.
[Brandon Vera art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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