Several prominent mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) combatants were previous users of the controversial Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), including Antonio Silva.
"Bigfoot" tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone in a post-fight drug test in Dec. 2013, following his bloodbath with upcoming UFC 193 opponent Mark Hunt. Their draw was then changed to a "no contest" and the Brazilian went on to drop his next two tilts via knockout before a rebound win over Hunt's teammate Soa Palelei last August.
The 36-year-old claims this is just the start of a brand new version of himself (via Submission Radio):
"Before the first time I fought Mark Hunt, I never used TRT [Testosterone Replacement Therapy] and I fought the best guys in the world; [Alistair] Overeem, Travis Browne, Fedor Emelianenko and I never used that. Now after this fight, I fix something and my body is good and my weight is so good. I'm very relaxed; my mind is good. I'm ready to do a war again. I'm a new Bigfoot after my last fight, UFC 190 in Brazil. I change everything in my professional life and personal life. I'm very prepared for this fight. I training with the best guys; Junior dos Santos. I'm very prepared and I'm going to show everyone I win this fight."
Silva appears to be in good spirits ahead of his showdown with the "Super Samoan."
However, he has some ground to cover to get back into the title picture at 265 pounds, with a reinvigorated and angry Hunt ready to pounce.
A statement win over Hunt will go a long way towards improving his standing in UFC's rankings as he watches former foe and heavyweight king Cain Velasquez attempt to recapture the strap he lost to Fabricio Werdum early in 2016.
For the complete UFC 193: "Rousey vs. Holm" fight card and results, including play-by-play updates, click here and here.
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