Bigfoot, Big Accusation

EliteXC Heavyweight Champion “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (11-1) tested positive for the banned performance enhancing substance boldenone after defeating Justin Eilers (19-7-1) for the title in Stockton, east of San Francisco, 26 July, according to the California State Athletic Commission.

Silva responded through his manager, Alex Davis, at Tatame, saying “I did not use the steroid boldenone, or any other steroid of prohibited substance.  I don’t agree and never have agreed with the use of this kind of product in order to win, for this is cheating.  I will go to the full extent of my power and the law to prove my innocence in this matter.”

The CSAC explained, “Independent tests were conducted by Quest Diagnostics for the “A” Sample and Laboratoire De Controle Du Dopage for the “B” Sample.”

Silva has been fined $2,500 and suspended for one year retroactive to 26 July.  According to CSAC Executive Officer Armando Garcia, CSAC rules “do not support” changing the “W” to a “NC” due to the positive test.

Garcia also confirmed that, as of Thursday afternoon, neither Silva nor Davis had contacted the CSAC about appealing the suspension.

Thursday, EliteXC Head of Fight Operations Jeremy Lappen said, “We certainly do not condone the use of steroids.  But we also support, trust and have confidence in our fighter, Antonio Silva, who has denied ever taken any illegal substance, including steroids, and is prepared to challenge the results of the California Commission.”

Boldenone is an anabolic steroid used primarily on horses.

Other fighters who’ve previously tested positive for boldenone include TUF 1 finalist “American Psycho” Stephan Bonnar (11-4), “Pequeno” Alexandre Franca Nogueira (13-5-2), and “The Crush” Anthony Torres (5-2).

Silva was selected to fight for the first EliteXC heavyweight championship over more heavily marketed “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (3-0) and “The Grimm” Brett Rogers (8-0) because Silva is recognized as the more skilled mixed martial artist.