Myth or reality: MMAmania.com profile on EliteXC fighter Antonio 'Big Foot' Silva
by James Iannotti on Feb 11, 2008 10:14 PM EST
51 comments
There's a heavyweight fighter competing this Saturday night at "Street Certified" who EliteXC Live Events President, Gary Shaw, thinks is the best heavyweight in the world.
No, it's not Kimbo Slice. Rather, it's American Top Team standout, Antonio "Big Foot" Silva (9-1).
Here's what Shaw had to say about the Brazilain in a recent statement:
"I believe Silva is the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. If there is a UFC heavyweight or, for that matter, any heavyweight out there that feels they are the best then lets make a match. We can do the fight in an Octagon, in the EliteXC cage or any venue. I truly believe ‘Big Foot' will kick any heavyweight's butt and look forward to giving him the opportunity to do it.''
Perhaps it's hard to believe Shaw -- it's not exactly a partisan opinion.
However, you might find it interesting that at one point in time "Big Foot" was supposed to fight Fedor Emelianenko, who is considered by most to be the best pound for pound fighter in the world.
The fight never happened. And here's the reason, according to Silva:
"We had an offer to fight Fedor in Bodog and actually Fedor was the one who turned it down. I think it was because the fight would have taken place in Russia and Fedor decided that there was a risk in that fight."
Regardless of personal opinion or truth, it's hard to argue the potential of Silva ... especially if (and it's a big if) Fedor did indeed turn down a fight with him.
He's 6'4" and as big as a heavyweight can be, cutting weight to make the 265-pound limit. He has a Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, but is an extremely skilled striker with both his hands and feet.
Silva is also surprisingly agile and quick for his massive size with proven power -- all nine of his wins have ended in the first round. And -- perhaps the most intriguing aspect of all -- Silva is only 28-years-old.
"Big Foot" has won both of his fights in the EliteXC heavyweight division thus far, most recently defeating Jonathan Wiezorek (11-2) via rear naked choke back in November. He also has an impressive technical knockout of Wesley "Cabbage" Carreira who has a battle-tested iron chin.
Silva's lone loss came during a super heavyweight fight with Eric Pele (11-4) in December 2006.
First, the fight probably would've had a different outcome if it were in a cage. Silva had Pele in serious trouble in the first minute of the fight, but Pele fell through the ropes and the fight had to be stopped and moved back to the middle of the ring.
Then, the fight was stopped again a few seconds later from a questionable kick to the groin by Silva and Pele was able to recover.
Silva continued to dominate the stand up before being hit with a wild right hand from Pele, which put him on the ground and it appeared Silva was defending himself, but the referee jumped in and stopped the fight anyway.
It was a very controversial result to say the least.
Silva had this to say about the loss:
"I wasn't feeling hurt, I was looking for an opportunity to sweep or submit him since I have very good jiu-jitsu, but they didn't give me a chance to show it. I learned a lesson and I'm not going to let that happen again. It didn't really frustrate me, but it bugged me because I had a perfect record and never lost. I would like to have that rematch."
Silva certainly feels like he was robbed that night against Pele and is not happy about the lone blemish on his record. That means he's now fighting with a chip on his shoulder, which spells trouble for every heavyweight fighter out there.
Put simply, Silva is a dangerous match up for anyone because of his combination of monsterous size, quality jiu jitsu and phenomenal speed and power in his striking.
I can't think of any other heavyweight with an arsenal like his. If he can prove his fight with Pele was a fluke and his chin is not suspect, then Gary Shaw might just be right about this guy.
Time will tell ... perhaps as soon as this weekend in Miami.
Silva is set to lock horns with former UFC heavyweight champion, Ricco Rodriguez. "Suave" is not the fighter he once was, but he still possesses a dangerous skill set and the desire to recapture his former glory.
There is not currently a heavyweight champion in EliteXC. A win on Saturday night against Rodriquez should put Silva right in line for a shot at the vacant strap.
Who knows ... if Kimbo can can get past Tank Abbott, too, maybe we'll see Silva and Slice mix it up for the first EliteXC heavyweight championship.
Talk about a fight that would answer a lot of questions. We'd find out about Silva's chin and we'd find out about Kimbo's legitimacy as a mixed martial artist.
It's a nice thought.
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Based on what? The only big name he’s beaten is Cabbage Corriera. Also last I checked Silva is a super heavyweight.
by EazyEismydad on Feb 11, 2008 10:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Silva is like 400 pounds and he’s even slower than big Timmy.
by c-war on Feb 11, 2008 10:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m thinking about becoming an ultimate fighter by changing my name to Silva.
by dave on Feb 11, 2008 10:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
off topic, Mania I just saw an advertisement for UFC 82 and they mentioned Jardine was fighting. Thats gotta be a mistake because he isn’t on the card so far as I can see. Just wanted to see if you heard anything about that.
by ragnarr on Feb 11, 2008 10:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Silva is like 400 pounds and he’s even slower than big Timmy.
Tim moves awkwardly, but I don’t think he’s that slow. He’s not as fast as Arlovski, but how many HW’s are. And Silva isn’t a sloth either at that size.
by Pat on Feb 11, 2008 10:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I am sick of all these promoters asking Dana for a co-promotion event or fight and trying to make him look bad to the public. Like he is going to give M one global or elitexc a chance to be viewed by 5million for nothing. Those are his fans he worked hard to earn. I am surre some fans dont realise the nature of the biz and think Dana is chikening out. The truth is Why would Microsoft advertise for Apple durring the superbowl…its busines and it dont work that way.
by SUPER CAL on Feb 11, 2008 10:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
what a joke, Fedor would smash him with 1 pinky finger
by mmakilla on Feb 11, 2008 10:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
off topic, Mania I just saw an advertisement for UFC 82 and they mentioned Jardine was fighting. Thats gotta be a mistake because he isn’t on the card so far as I can see. Just wanted to see if you heard anything about that.
We’re getting a lot of inquiries about that. It has to be an error … a big one. Jardine will more than likely take on Wanderlei Silva at UFC 84. He’s definitely not fighting at UFC 82.
by MMAmania on Feb 11, 2008 10:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Silva is like 400 pounds and he’s even slower than big Timmy.
Are you thinking of Giant silva he’s 400lbs but not this guy.
by Jigga4713 on Feb 11, 2008 10:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Kinda old news
It’s supposed to be — it’s not a fight announcement.
by MMAmania on Feb 11, 2008 10:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
We’re getting a lot of inquiries about that. It has to be an error … a big one. Jardine will more than likely take on Wanderlei Silva at UFC 84. He’s definitely not fighting at UFC 82.
Thats what I thought, they put him in there for 82 instead of Herring (Herring is on the 82 website), I was just making sure and wanted to know if anybody else had seen the same thing.
by ragnarr on Feb 11, 2008 10:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’d like to see Lesnar fight Kimbo slice.
by Jigga4713 on Feb 11, 2008 11:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The biggest ugliest fighter of all time…he makes Tim Sylvia look pretty.
by RAWbert on Feb 11, 2008 11:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i think he has been fighting a little under 300 pounds in his last fights. Im not sure what the worlds idea of a heavyweight is in mma. if it is anything above 205, or up to a limit like the ufc. either way, this guy is not #1
by keystone on Feb 11, 2008 11:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding me? Have you seen his fights? He KO’s everybody.
IMHO the top two fighters who could beat Fedor: Junior Silva and Roger Gracie. Couture, Barnett, Monson? – not a chance
by Lappish Shaman on Feb 12, 2008 12:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Silva is like 400 pounds and he’s even slower than big Timmy.
They’re talking about Antonio Silva not Giant Silva genius. Have you actually seen any of this guy’s fights? He moves better than pretty much any HW outside of Fedor, Brock and Randy – watch how quick he is in the Cabbage fight.
And he’s already made it in under the 265lb limit when he fought Wiezorek.
by The Gaijin on Feb 12, 2008 12:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Is he really that good, or is Shaw just blowing smoke? Right now Silva is a pretty heavy underdog to Ricco Rodriguez.
by PW on Feb 12, 2008 12:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I am going to researve my opinion on this guys until he fights Ricco. Not to see if he can beat an ex champ but just to see his skills again. Should be good.
by DownUnder on Feb 12, 2008 1:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I walked past Antonio in a Mall in Boca, FL a while back. I stopped and said hello – he is bloody huge and I am 6"3 225llbs which isn’t all that small. He is a monster!
by russ on Feb 12, 2008 1:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Silva is like 400 pounds and he’s even slower than big Timmy.
Are you thinking of Giant silva he’s 400lbs but not this guy.
I didnt know this was a different guy……
by c-war on Feb 12, 2008 2:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
They’re talking about Antonio Silva not Giant Silva genius. Have you actually seen any of this guy’s fights? He moves better than pretty much any HW outside of Fedor, Brock and Randy – watch how quick he is in the Cabbage fight.
And he’s already made it in under the 265lb limit when he fought Wiezorek.
yep, I thought that was Giant Silva. MY BAD
by c-war on Feb 12, 2008 2:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree this guy could definitely be the next #1 in the world ricco is a solid fight for him. No reason for Kimbo to fight this guy at this stage in Kimbos career that would be retarded as hell. Kimbo needs a few 2-3 easier fights first before facing this guy. Big Foot i believe could crush most anyone as for questioning his chin i dont see how you can?? He got caught and wasnt knocked out, caught by someone who im sure would knock most people out with that punch. So he has a good chin Great power good BJJ nothing more needed to be #1 in the world besides the desire & Heart.
by john on Feb 12, 2008 2:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’d like to see Lesnar fight Kimbo slice.
Why? It would be over in about two seconds.
by pete on Feb 12, 2008 3:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
It’s supposed to be — it’s not a fight announcement.
It’s supposed to be old news? Cool, have at it. I just read that Shaw thinks this about Silva around two weeks ago and it wasn’t that interesting the first time around…
by theCloser on Feb 12, 2008 3:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
He may be good but I don’t think he could beat Fedor. I watched K.Randalman dump Fedor on his head in a Pride special the other day, and it didn’t even phase him! The guys not human.
by Bobo on Feb 12, 2008 3:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
For Lesner? I know, I just don’t like the hype on kimbo. I think it would be funny.
by Jigga4713 on Feb 12, 2008 6:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Interesting. It must be easy to “call out” the UFC when everyone knows they have a set policy of no inter-promotional fights.
by chefdaddy on Feb 12, 2008 7:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Interesting. It must be easy to “call out” the UFC when everyone knows they have a set policy of no inter-promotional fights.
Policies can change….
by Pat on Feb 12, 2008 7:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
They’re talking about Antonio Silva not Giant Silva genius. Have you actually seen any of this guy’s fights? He moves better than pretty much any HW outside of Fedor, Brock and Randy – watch how quick he is in the Cabbage fight.
And he’s already made it in under the 265lb limit when he fought Wiezorek.
I agree 100%
Antonio Silva is a bad dude. I have watched his last couple fights in eliteXC…I dont think he is slow at all.
I did not know he made 265 lbs before though, I thought he was a super HW only…Thats good to hear..
I hope he wins his next couple fights. If he can, and fight healthy at HW, he will probably get a contract with the UFC..
Ever since I watched him fight, I have been thinking how he would match-up agianst some of the UFC HW fighters..
anyways’
I am looking forward to his fight with Ricco Rodregez…
by Stagger-Lee on Feb 12, 2008 7:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
this guy isnt quite ready yet. However make no mistake about it he could make an impact in the UFC. He is a well versed guy. I wouldnt mind seeing him vs. Gonzaga
by john on Feb 12, 2008 8:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
How many promoters are going to try and goad the UFC with third-grade reverse psychology?
“[Insert fighter] is the best and if the UFC really wants to know who is the best, then they should lend their name recognition to our organization by co-promoting an event. Then, if the UFC fighter loses, people will realize our organization is the best. Duh!”
by Scooby on Feb 12, 2008 8:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Arranging a Fedor fight is one thing, he’s a recognized MMA legend, but this guy? Who cares!
by Aaron_W on Feb 12, 2008 8:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Blah Blah Blah…another big dummy who is a novelty…Brock Lesnar anyone?
by PDubb on Feb 12, 2008 9:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Blah Blah Blah…another big dummy who is a novelty…Brock Lesnar anyone?
He isnt exactly a novelty, this guy has had some success in MMA.
I think that all the other non-UFC mma organizations should cross promote events with each other. Many organizations have great fighters, but lack depth to keep putting on top notch match ups. EliteXC is willing to co-promote events so they should forget the UFC and look to work with other organizations like M-1.
Antonio Silva vs. Fedor has to be a better match up then Fedor vs. Shilt or Fedor vs. Monson. I dont epect any of this to actually happen, but it would be good for the fans.
by john on Feb 12, 2008 9:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Silva is like 400 pounds and he’s even slower than big Timmy.
Silva was 400lbs they removed the tumor on his gland that was causing him to continue to grow and hes lost weight because of it
by Joe on Feb 12, 2008 10:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding me? Have you seen his fights? He KO’s everybody.
IMHO the top two fighters who could beat Fedor: Junior Silva and Roger Gracie. Couture, Barnett, Monson? – not a chance
Roger Gracie doesnt deserve to be in the ring with fedor.Just because he beat waterman doesnt mean hes even close to being ready to get in there and mix it up with fedor.
Monson has a hard head and Barnett is a tough sob ..And Couture is well …Couture.No other words for it.
by Joe on Feb 12, 2008 10:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Roger Gracie doesnt deserve to be in the ring with fedor.Just because he beat waterman doesnt mean hes even close to being ready to get in there and mix it up with fedor.
Monson has a hard head and Barnett is a tough sob ..And Couture is well …Couture.No other words for it.
I think that the man with the best shot at beating Fedor is Josh Barnett.
by john on Feb 12, 2008 10:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I just watched the Pele v Silva fight. There was nothing controversial about that referee stopping it when he did. The guy was getting hammer-fisted and short elbowed. He wasn’t defending himself intelligently. I think the ref did a good job in protecting the down fighter. IMO Gary Shaw is trying to take a page out of Dana’s handbook by talking up his fighter. Silva is definitely not #1 in the world by any stretch of the imagination.
by Big Jake on Feb 12, 2008 10:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I just watched the Pele v Silva fight. There was nothing controversial about that referee stopping it when he did. The guy was getting hammer-fisted and short elbowed. He wasn’t defending himself intelligently. I think the ref did a good job in protecting the down fighter. IMO Gary Shaw is trying to take a page out of Dana’s handbook by talking up his fighter. Silva is definitely not #1 in the world by any stretch of the imagination.
No he isnt #1 for sure and he hasnt fought good enough competition to have proved himself as a atop 5 fighter. But he does have a very promising career ahead of him. I am just not sure that EliteXc can get him the quality of competition nedded for him to become a highly ranked fighter. It was stupid onhis part to sign with them. Good Heavyweights are hard to find (just ask Dana), and I am not sure EliteXC can provide him with any to fight against. IMO, his only hope is EliteXC co promoting with either M-1 or StrikeForce or some other Japanease organization with a top notch Heavyweight.
I wouldn’t stck him in there with Feodr yet, but a matchu p against his brother Aleksander could be a good career move for BigFoot!
by john on Feb 12, 2008 11:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
It was stupid onhis part to sign with them. Good Heavyweights are hard to find (just ask Dana
Ben Rothwell
Kharitonov
Fedor
Barnett
Aleks E.
Mark Hunt
and the list could go on and on … they’re not too hard to find
by Sincere on Feb 12, 2008 11:43 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
It’s supposed to be old news? Cool, have at it. I just read that Shaw thinks this about Silva around two weeks ago and it wasn’t that interesting the first time around…
He’s been hyping his man for MONTHS
by ViolentMike on Feb 12, 2008 11:49 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think i saw Bigfoot with Wandy and the ChuteBoxe boys years ago…some pride documentary that had the whole backstage brawl with Hammerhouse. They were chilling in a pool. Soooo, did Antonio used to train with ChuteBoxe? and if so, hes been in the game for a loooong time.
by Chris Browning on Feb 12, 2008 12:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think i saw Bigfoot with Wandy and the ChuteBoxe boys years ago…some pride documentary that had the whole backstage brawl with Hammerhouse. They were chilling in a pool. Soooo, did Antonio used to train with ChuteBoxe? and if so, hes been in the game for a loooong time.
I’m not sure about CB, but he is best friends with big nog, so maybe it’s a stretch to go for CB, but you could be right.
by linx on Feb 12, 2008 12:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Gary Shaw is such an idiot-it’s so obvious he is desperate for more media attention-this s the second time he has done this-first with calling the UFC fighters ’’Club’’ Champions now with Big Foot.How pathetic
by Irish-Assassin on Feb 12, 2008 12:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i sincerly hope that ricco kicks big foots ass. Not becaue i dislike silva but because i hate gary shaw and his ignorant and arrogant comments this guy is not the best in the world he is not even top ten in the world this guy has never fought a big name oppenent he would not stand a chance against any ufc heavyweight. This is typical gary shaw overrating his fighters and running his mouth against the ufc because he knows he will never ever be what the ufc is.
by matt on Feb 12, 2008 2:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure about CB, but he is best friends with big nog, so maybe it’s a stretch to go for CB, but you could be right.
Yes, he did used to train with Chute Box. I dont know where he trains now though. I never saw that PRIDE documentary. Was it any good? Did they even talk about the backstage brawl between Chute Box and Hmmerhouse. If anyone really knows the true story
of that Brawl….PLEASE do tell!
by john on Feb 12, 2008 3:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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