For the second time in his professional Mixed Martial Arts career, Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva has been suspended for the use of performance enhancing drugs.
The former heavyweight title challenger is coming off a fight-of-the-year candidate against Mark Hunt, just two-weeks ago, that ended in a draw. The bout will now be ruled a no-contest on Silva’s record and his $50k bonus has been stripped by the UFC and given to Mark Hunt.
He will also be forced to serve out a nine-month athletic suspension.
“Silva is on a medically approved regimen of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and had been in compliance with therapeutic guidelines on all pre-fight tests performed prior to the event,” a statement issued by a UFC rep read.
“The results of his test on the day of the event indicated a level of testosterone outside of allowable limit. Silva has been informed that the elevated testosterone level is a violation of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and his Promotional Agreement with Zuffa.”
In 2008 Silva was found to have the anabolic steroid, boldenone, in his system and as a result served a 12-month suspension.