Antonio Silva Biography Introduction:
As Antonio Silva readied to take on the legendary Fedor Emelianenko at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva on February 12, 2011, many thought he was about to be obliterated. After all, Fedor was widely considered to be the greatest MMA heavyweight of all-time, and coming off of a loss to Fabricio Werdum- well, let's say that people thought he would be out to right the wrongs of the past.
But instead of an Emelianenko coming out party, people witnessed something else. They saw what happens when a huge man with talent brings his 'A' game. So keep reading to find out the rest of the story on the man they call Bigfoot.
Date of Birth:
The biography of Antonio Silva starts on September 14, 1979 in Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brazil.
Nickname:
Bigfoot
Training Camp and Fighting Organization:
Silva trains with American Top Team/Team Nogueira in Coconut Creek, Florida and fights for the UFC.
Martial Arts Background:
Syndrome and Testing Positive:
Silva suffers from from acromegaly, a syndrome that causes enlargement of both his facial and body features due to a tumor in his pituitary gland. Claims were made by his manager (Alex Davis) that his condition was linked to testing positive for the anabolic steroid Boldenone after winning the EliteXC Heavyweight title over Justin Eilers in 2008. More specifically, it was indicated that Silva uses Novadex, a testosterone increasing medication designed to counter low testosterone levels caused by acromegaly.
Silva was suspended for a year and fined $2500.00 by the California State Athletic Commission for the test.
Early Years in MMA:
Silva started his MMA training at Wolfslair MMA Academy back in 2005 (Michael Bisping's camp). In fact, it was during 2005 that he won his first MMA fight at UKMMAC 10 by way of TKO over Tengiz Tedoradze. From there, he rattled off six more wins, including two in a row for the K-1 organization, before losing his first fight to Eric Pele at BodogFight on 12/2/06. In the midst of all this, Wolfslair asked him to leave after his debut and he obliged. Wolfslair claimed Silva owed them money; Silva countered that they, in fact, owed him money. Regardless, he eventually transitioned to working with American Top Team.
Fighting Style:
Silva is a huge fighter with a lot of power. That said, he is hardly all about size. Rather, he possesses solid technical striking, adept Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and ever-improving wrestling skills. He's a very well-rounded fighter that can put the hammer on you when the opportunity presents itself.
He is not a particularly athletic, nor fast fighter. Then again, given his size, that's a tall order.
Some of Antonio Silva's Greatest Victories:
- Silva defeats Fedor Emelianenko by TKO at Strikeforce- Fedor vs. Silva: Silva took Fedor down early in the second stanza of this fight and literally pounded on the MMA legend until the bell. In fact, Fedor's right eye was so swollen afterwards that the doctor stopped the fight. This fight represents Silva's signature win. A career maker.
- Silva defeats Andrei Arlovski by decision at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery: Any time you defeat Arlovski in a striking duel, even if his skills are diminishing, it's still something to write home about. And that's exactly what Silva did to the former UFC heavyweight champion during this encounter.
- Silva defeats Justin Eilers by TKO at EliteXC- Unfinished Business: The win netted Silva the EliteXC heavyweight title. Afterwards, it also netted him a positive drug test plus a suspension/fine.
