Strikeforce: Andrei Arlovski Versus "Bigfoot" Silva Confirmed By Manager

A rumored Strikeforce matchup between newly-signed former UFC heavyweight champion “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-7) and former EliteXC champion “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (12-2) has been confirmed to Tatame by Alexander Davis, Silva’s manager.

Davis told Tatame, “We wanted to fight Brett Rogers, but he didn’t want to fight ‘Bigfoot’. Arlovski is a great opponent, a victory over him puts Antonio in a great situation. Our goal is to fight against the champion or Fedor.”

It’s been a long road back to mixed martial arts from consecutive knockout losses to Fighters.com Heavyweight Champion “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-1) at Affliction in January 2009 and sixth-ranked “Grim” Brett Rogers (10-1) at Strikeforce in June 2009, after which Arlovski went on hiatus from MMA as he considered a boxing career.

Silva lost a unanimous decision to ninth-ranked “Vai Cavalo” Fabricio Werdum (12-4-1) at Strikeforce in Chicago last November.

Sherdog reports that Arlovski is likely to fight Silva in St. Louis May 15.