Challenges Faced by Bruno Silva (fighter): Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 10, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Bruno Silva (fighter). A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Bruno Silva is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Middleweight division. Notably, he is a former M-1 Global Middleweight Champion, indicating a successful career prior to joining the UFC. His presence in the UFC highlights his status as a recognized and skilled competitor in the sport of mixed martial arts.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

June 22, 2019: Scheduled Fight and Subsequent Withdrawal

Bruno Silva was scheduled to replace injured Markus Perez against Deron Winn on June 22, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 154. However, on June 16, Silva was forced to withdraw due to a potential anti-doping violation by USADA and was replaced by Eric Spicely.

January 2020: News of Suspension Surfaced

In January 2020, news surfaced that Bruno Silva was suspended for two years for testing positive for boldenone, but USADA did not confirm at the time due to a pending hearing.

June 2020: USADA Announced Suspension

In late June 2020, USADA announced Bruno Silva's suspension for testing positive for boldenone, stating he would be eligible to return to competition after June 14, 2021.

March 12, 2022: Lost to Alex Pereira at UFC Fight Night 203

On March 12, 2022, Bruno Silva faced Alex Pereira at UFC Fight Night 203 and lost the fight via unanimous decision after being outstruck for all three rounds.

August 13, 2022: Lost to Gerald Meerschaert at UFC on ESPN 41

On August 13, 2022, Bruno Silva faced Gerald Meerschaert at UFC on ESPN 41 and lost the fight via a guillotine choke in round three.

December 17, 2022: Pulled from UFC Fight Night 216 due to injury

On December 17, 2022, Bruno Silva was scheduled to face Albert Duraev at UFC Fight Night 216, but he was pulled from the event due to an injury and was replaced by Michał Oleksiejczuk.

June 24, 2023: Lost to Brendan Allen at UFC on ABC 5

On June 24, 2023, Bruno Silva faced Brendan Allen at UFC on ABC 5 and lost the bout in the first round via a rear-naked choke submission.

October 21, 2023: Lost to Shara Magomedov at UFC 294

On October 21, 2023, Bruno Silva faced Shara Magomedov at UFC 294 and lost the bout via unanimous decision.

March 30, 2024: Defeat Against Chris Weidman Overturned

On March 30, 2024, Bruno Silva initially lost his fight against former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman at UFC on ESPN 54 after a third-round TKO stoppage. However, the fight was later overruled to a technical unanimous decision win for Weidman because Silva was poked in both eyes, leading to his fall. Silva's appeal was unsuccessful.

April 11, 2024: Failed Drug Test

Bruno Silva submitted a urine sample on April 11, 2024, that later tested positive for an anabolic steroid.

August 2024: Suspension Announced

In August 2024, it was reported that Bruno Silva tested positive for an anabolic steroid in a urine sample from April 11, 2024. He was suspended for six months dating back to April 11, 2024.