Issue 089
June 2012
American Top Team heavyweight Antonio Silva is finally in the UFC. Here’s the lowdown on the first and last EliteXC heavyweight champion.
NEED TO KNOW
Name: Antonio Silva
Age: 32
Started: 2005
Division: Heavyweight
Style: BJJ, judo
Based: Florida & Brazil
Record: 16-3; 11 (T)KOS (68.75%); 3 SUBS (18.75%); 2 DECISIONS (12.5%)
After launching his professional career in the UK back in 2005, Brazilian man mountain Antonio Silva went on a world tour, leaving a succession of UFC heavyweight champions in his wake, before finally landing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. With a background in karate, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo it’s no surprise he’s built up an intimidating 16-3 professional record.
At six-foot-four and having to diet down to the 265lb heavyweight limit, Silva is a behemoth of a man. The BJJ black belt utilizes his size advantage on the ground and transitions seamlessly into position so he can deliver heavy ground ‘n’ pound.
Born in Campina Granfe, Paraiba, Brazil on September 14th 1979, Silva suffers from acromegaly, a syndrome that causes enlargement of both his facial and body features due to a tumor in his pituitary gland. His team claim it was his condition that led to him testing positive for the anabolic steroid boldenone after winning the EliteXC heavyweight title in 2008. Silva takes Novedex, a testosterone increasing medication designed to counter low testosterone levels caused by his condition. However, he was suspended for a year and fined $2,500 by the California commission.
On his US return, in November 2009, he suffered a points defeat against Fabricio Werdum. But back-to-back successes against Andrei Arlovski and Mike Kyle displayed how ‘Bigfoot’ had improved his deficiencies, evolving into a complete fighter.
The biggest win of his career arrived 10 weeks later, headlining a major card for the first time, he TKO’d Fedor Emelianenko in the opening round of the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix. It was the performance that shocked the world and immediately promoted Bigfoot to favorite to win the tournament. However, when belt holder Alistair Overeem walked away from the event, late stand-in Daniel Cormier met Silva in the semi-finals – and tore up the Brazilian’s script by registering a chilling opening-round KO.
Yet, with his place in the mix at the top of the heavyweight pile assured, Bigfoot crosses over to the UFC on May 26th when he will face off against the organization’s typecast welcoming party, Roy Nelson, at UFC 146 in Las Vegas.
SIZE
Standing six-foot-four and weighing 265lb, it’s hardly surprising to hear Silva’s sheer enormousness is one of his strongest attributes. What he lacks in speed and agility he makes up for with huge limbs, with undoubtedly one of the longest reaches in the sport.
STRENGTH
When you’re the size of a house and fit to boot, power comes naturally and Silva boasts that natural man strength that results in people getting thrown and knocked about like a rag doll when they step into the cage to oppose him.
TECHNIQUE
Reportedly armed with black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo and karate, it’s no surprise to hear that Bigfoot has some of the smoothest technical abilities in the heavyweight division. And, as his knockout percentage suggests, he’s no slouch standing up either, having trained Muay Thai and boxing throughout his life.
CAREER SNAPHOT
2005
Debuts in England, winning four fights in succession by stoppage, and picking up both the Cage Warriors heavyweight and super heavyweight belts.
2006
Extends his run of stoppage victories to seven straight with back-to-back knockouts at Hero’s 5 and 7 against Pride vet Tom Erikson and Georgy Kaysinov respectively.
208
After defeating former UFC champ Ricco Rodriguez, he TKO’s Justin Eilers to land the EliteXC heavyweight title. Unfortunately, it also landed him a positive drug test plus a suspension and fine.
2010
Shows his emerging stand-up skills by out-striking and outpointing yet another former UFC heavyweight champion, Andre Arlovski, on Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery. Later in the year, he TKO’s Mike Kyle, again in St Louis.
2011
Headlines the opening round of the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix, and shocks the world with a TKO victory over the legend Fedor Emelianenko. But his celebrations are cut short by replacement Daniel Cormier in the semi-finals.
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