A reconciliation between former American Top Team training partners Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva and Thiago Silva isn’t happening anytime soon.
Bigfoot, a recent UFC heavyweight title challenger, called out fringe light heavyweight contender Thiago Silva after his victory over Rafael Cavalcante at UFC on FUEL 10 on Saturday.
Thiago, now a member of the Florida-based Blackzilians camp, said he’d be willing to take the bout if Bigfoot could meet him at 205 pounds.
Bigfoot continued to press the issue, giving some background on the situation in an interview with Eduardo Cruz of Fighters Only Brazil, claiming Thiago “stabbed him in the back.”
I had so much respect and consideration for him at one time. Besides being a good training partner, I had him as a friend … I used to visit his house and he did mine, I was something of a brother to him and he simply stabbed me in the back and cheated me. He said I’m upset because he left ATT, but he knows its not because of that why I’m mad.
Shockingly, Bigfoot, a massive heavyweight who cuts to get down to the 265-pound weight limit, said he is considering meeting Thiago at 205 pounds to settle the score with him.
I thought he was a coward. Many fighters perform at different weight classes, for example Anderson Silva and Dan Henderson. I personally will attend the doctors to see if I am able to lose weight without spoiling my health. If can do it, I will drop weight to make this fight for sure … He’s mentally sick, we’re completely different people. I am a family guy – I respect my father, mother, wife, I treat my friends well, without pulling their legs, and I don’t take drugs.
Bigfoot has established himself as a threat in the UFC’s heavyweight division, but with losses to champ Cain Velasquez (twice) and top contenders Fabricio Werdum and Daniel Cormier, it’s tough to imagine him ever capturing the title.
Thiago finds himself in a similar situation at 205 pounds. He started his career 13-0 before struggling against elite fighters including Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans and Alexander Gustafsson.
He is just 1-2 (2) in his past five fights. Both no-contests were victories for Thiago before he failed post-fight drug tests.
Given the latest news, is there even a slim possibility that Antonio Silva and Thiago Silva could meet in a light heavyweight grudge match sooner than later?
John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA Editor for eDraft.com and contributes MMA videos to The Young Turks Sports Show.
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