Merry Christmas, Mark Hunt. Signed, Antonio Silva.
Despite being in full compliance with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in regard to its testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) usage guidelines in the lead up to his insane Heavyweight main event against Hunt at UFC Fight Night 33, "Bigfoot" failed his post-fight drug test, according to MMAJunkie.com.
Check out the official statement:
"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. 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."
Oi.
Silva -- who was popped for steroids (Boldenone) after he won the Elite XC Heavyweight championship back in 2008 (read more details here) -- has been hit with a nine-month suspension and will forfeit the $50,000 he won for his part in the "Fight of Night" (watch video highlights here) to "Super Samoan" ... just in time for the holiday season.
UFC President Dana White -- who was already pumping the breaks on an immediate rematch (albeit for a much different reason) -- will probably now pass on buying "Bigfoot" his own "private island," too.
Last, and certainly not least, Silva will have "No Contest" added to his mixed martial arts (MMA) record, while Hunt will keep the original decision, which was ruled a "Majority Draw."
Oh well ...