Mixed martial arts is a sport where growth and the progression of skills is required in order to find continued success. It is also one where the ability to adapt and change can be just as crucial.
Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva knows the latter all too well, and he has gone to great lengths to adjust the elements of his physical game and personal health in order to keep his career in MMA alive. Following his “Fight of the Year” winning performance with Mark Hunt in December 2013, the American Top Team representative tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone. He was suspended for nine months and was levied a fine that cost him both his win bonus and $50,000 performance bonus.
The bout’s majority draw decision was ultimately overturned to a no-contest, and Silva used his time on the shelf to remove himself from testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT), as the UFC banned those programs two months after his tilt with “The Super Samoan.” The Brazilian heavyweight would emerge from his suspension with hopes of getting his career back on track, but a first-round knockout against Andrei Arlovski at Fight Night 51 back in September proved to be another setback.
Following his bout against “The Pit Bull” in Brazil, “Pezao” underwent surgery to remove a tumor on his pituitary gland that had reemerged. The operation was a success, and Silva set about preparing for his return to the Octagon two months later. All of those trials and tribulations bring the former Elite XC heavyweight champion up to his current position, which is a showdown with former two-time champion Frank Mir at Fight Night 61 on Sunday.
It’s been a long road for Silva to travel, but one that was necessary in order for him to continue his journey through MMA.
“The surgery went very well and it really helped me,” Silva told Bleacher Report with the assistance of his translator, Alexis Davis. “I’m a lot lighter than I usually am. I’m feeling much better. I have to continue adapting to get better results and continue my career.”
While Silva and Mir have enjoyed success throughout their respective careers, both have been stuck in ruts as of late. “Bigfoot” has gone without a win in his past three outings, while the Las Vegas native has been turned back in four consecutive showings. When the growing competitiveness of the heavyweight division is factored in, a pressure-filled picture is painted for the main event at Fight Night 61.
Neither man can afford a loss, and Silva is determined to make sure he isn’t the one leaving the Octagon disappointed. Nevertheless, the 35-year-old veteran is fully aware that his back is up against the wall against Mir, and he has every intention of rising to the occasion on Sunday night.
“I always come back strong from my losses and that’s what I have to do here,” Silva said. “I have to give the UFC back what they’ve given to me. They have always given me great opportunities, and I need to give them a great performance on fight night.
“Frank Mir is a great fighter and a former UFC champion. To beat him would be a great accomplishment in my career.”
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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