Michael Bisping: Chris Weidman really did a number on Anderson Silva

UFC middleweight Michael Bisping said he initially was in “utter disbelief” that ex-champ Anderson Silva had tested positive for two steroids. He went to several media outlets to confirm it was actually true.

“It soon dawned on me that it was the truth; it was reality,” Bisping said.

Bisping’s next reaction was “sadness.” But that reaction gave way to another one, as well.

“The more I thought about it, I thought, ‘Hold on a minute. This doesn’t surprise me at all,'” he said. “I’m just so bloody naive. I really am. I really just assume everybody’s out there doing it the old-fashioned way, doing it the way I do it. And the more and more that comes out, I realize that people don’t. People are looking for shortcuts. People are looking to cheat.”

Silva (34-6 MMA, 17-2 UFC), 39, denies he used any performance-enhancing drugs prior to a decision over Nick Diaz (26-10 MMA, 7-7 UFC) at this past Saturday’s UFC 183 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. In a statement, he said he will fight the findings against him. He is expected to receive a temporary suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which regulated the event, as is Diaz, who failed his third post-fight test for marijuana.

Bisping couldn’t help but question whether Silva’s positive test points toward long-term abuse of steroids, but he was certain the development was disastrous to his image as a champion and hero of the sport.

Although Silva lost the title to current champ Chris Weidman in July 2013 at UFC 162 and then failed to regain it five months later at UFC 168, suffering a broken leg that endangered his career, he was still considered to be the greatest fighter in the history of MMA.

But now, according to Bisping, “His legacy is ruined.”

“Chris Weidman really did a number on that kid,” the Brit added. “My word. Shame on you, Chris Weidman.

“It leaves a black mark on the sport. You can only imagine how pissed off (UFC executives) Dana (White) and Lorenzo (Fertitta) must be. They’ve worked so hard to promote a fantastic sport, but the individuals involved in it, unfortunately, are looking for an easy way out.”

Bisping did find one silver lining in the whole situation: Nick Diaz. He praised the former Strikeforce champ’s performance against Silva and said a post-fight interview he conducted with the fighter as a UFC commentator blew away his preconceived notions.

Not only that, it prompted him to issue a respectful callout of Diaz.

But then again, Bisping noted, Diaz isn’t exactly free to fight. The brash fighter is likely to receive a long suspension from the NSAC for his third marijuana offense.

“Listen, Nick Diaz, he likes to smoke weed,” Bisping said. “What can I say? Maybe he has anxiety issues. Who knows. You can’t fix stupid. What are you going to do.”

Bisping (25-7 MMA, 15-7 UFC) is next scheduled to fight C.B. Dollaway (15-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC), who like him suffered a recent high-profile setback. The two meet on April 25 at UFC 186, which takes place in Montreal.

For complete coverage of UFC 183, check out the UFC Events section of the site.