Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva is a former Brazilian mixed martial artist who competed in the heavyweight division.
Known for his imposing size and powerful striking, Silva made a significant impact in various MMA promotions, including the UFC, Strikeforce, and EliteXC.
Let’s delve into the details of his career, earnings, and legacy in the world of mixed martial arts.
Antonio Silva’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antonio Silva |
| Nickname | Bigfoot |
| Born | September 14, 1979 |
| Age | 45 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2005 |
| Net Worth | $8 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | Dayane Silva |
| Instagram Profile | @bigfootsilva |
Antonio Silva, born in Brasília, Brazil, began his martial arts journey with karate at the age of four. He later transitioned to Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, laying the foundation for his MMA career.
Early Career
Silva’s MMA career began in the United Kingdom, where he quickly made a name for himself with impressive victories. He won his professional debut in 2005 against Tengiz Tedoradze via TKO in just 47 seconds.
Silva then captured titles in Cage Rage and Cage Warriors, establishing himself as a formidable heavyweight prospect. His early success caught the attention of larger promotions, setting the stage for his rise in the MMA world.
Professional Career
Silva’s professional career took off when he joined EliteXC in 2007. He became the promotion’s first and only heavyweight champion before its closure.
Silva then moved to Strikeforce, where he faced top-tier competition. His most notable victory in Strikeforce came against the legendary Fedor Emelianenko in 2011, which catapulted him into the spotlight.
Silva joined the UFC in 2012, where he had a mix of highs and lows. He fought for the UFC heavyweight title against Cain Velasquez in 2013 but was unsuccessful.
Silva’s UFC career was marked by memorable fights against opponents like Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt. After his UFC release in 2016, Silva continued to compete in various promotions until his retirement in 2023.
Wife
Antonio Silva is married to Dayane Silva. The couple has been together for several years, supporting each other through the ups and downs of Silva’s fighting career. They have children together.
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Antonio Silva’s Net Worth Details
Antonio Silva’s net worth is estimated to be $8 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 160 | Cain Velasquez | $75,000 |
| UFC 156 | Alistair Overeem | $70,000 + $50,000 (KO of the Night) |
| UFC Fight Night 33 | Mark Hunt | $75,000 |
| UFC 190 | Soa Palelei | $80,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 95 | Roy Nelson | $95,000 |
Endorsements
- Reebok (during UFC partnership)
- Venum
- Monster Energy
- Bad Boy
- Pretorian
Career Stats
| Opponent | Result | Method | Event | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fedor Emelianenko | Win | TKO | Strikeforce | 2011 |
| Alistair Overeem | Win | KO | UFC 156 | 2013 |
| Cain Velasquez | Loss | TKO | UFC 160 | 2013 |
| Mark Hunt | Draw | Majority Draw | UFC Fight Night 33 | 2013 |
| Andrei Arlovski | Loss | KO | UFC Fight Night 51 | 2014 |
FAQs
What was Antonio Silva’s most famous victory?
Antonio Silva’s most famous victory was his upset win over Fedor Emelianenko in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix quarterfinals in 2011. This fight is considered a turning point in both fighters’ careers and marked the end of Emelianenko’s legendary unbeaten streak.
Did Antonio Silva ever win a UFC title?
No, Antonio Silva never won a UFC title. He fought for the UFC Heavyweight Championship once, losing to Cain Velasquez at UFC 160 in May 2013.
What medical condition does Antonio Silva have?
Antonio Silva has acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone production. This condition contributed to his large physical stature and earned him the nickname “Bigfoot.”
How many times did Antonio Silva fight in the UFC?
Antonio Silva fought in the UFC 11 times between 2012 and 2016. His UFC record stands at 3-7-1 (1 NC).
What was Antonio Silva’s fighting style?
Silva was known for his powerful striking and surprisingly agile ground game for a man of his size. He often utilized his size and strength to control opponents and land heavy shots.
Who was Antonio Silva’s toughest opponent?
Many consider Cain Velasquez to be Silva’s toughest opponent. Velasquez defeated Silva twice in the UFC, both times via first-round TKO.
What was Antonio Silva’s last professional MMA fight?
Antonio Silva’s last professional MMA fight was a loss to Oleg Popov in June 2022 at MMA Series 53 in Russia.
Did Antonio Silva ever compete in kickboxing?
Yes, Silva competed in kickboxing after his MMA career. He fought Rico Verhoeven in a GLORY kickboxing match in October 2017, losing via TKO in the second round.
What was Antonio Silva’s highest-earning fight?
It’s believed that Silva’s highest-earning fight was likely his UFC 156 bout against Alistair Overeem, where he earned a base salary of $70,000 plus a $50,000 Knockout of the Night bonus, not including potential pay-per-view points.
How did Antonio Silva’s acromegaly affect his fighting career?
Silva’s acromegaly contributed to his large size and strength, which were advantages in his fighting career. However, it also presented health challenges and required ongoing medical management throughout his career.
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