Ex-UFC Star '300% Focused' Ahead Of MMA Return In Serbia

A former top UFC heavyweight contender is looking to make a statement in his mixed martial arts (MMA) return.

After four years of inactivity, Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva is once again stepping inside the cage on June 13 at Megdan Fighting 9: Under The Bright sky against French stalwart Quentin Domingos.

Silva has not tasted a win since 2015 and is coming off a knockout loss to when Vitaly Minakov at Fight Night Global 68 in 2017.

However, the Brazilian vows to prove that fans will see a resurgent Silva this time around as he claims to be “300% focused” on getting back to his winning ways.

“I am very anxious after a few years away. I am motivated, happy to arrive on the 13th of June to return to MMA, against a guy who has six fights, who is very strong,” Silva told AG Fight ahead of his return.

“It was the career that launched me on the martial art scene, so I have a great love. New opportunities appeared, but as soon as it was MMA, I already thought it was time [to return]. I had my first fight in 2004. I have a feeling for MMA, so it’s quick to pick up. I’m 300% focused to get back.”

Further reflecting on his dwindling career, Silva admitted that the mistakes he made in his “personal” life took a toll on his MMA stint and marked the beginning of his decline.

“[The problem] was here [in the head]. From 2014 onwards, my life went downhill, not only in my professional life but also in my personal life. Personal things I did that influenced my professional life,” the 41-year-old explained. “At the time I thought I was right, I didn’t see the error and this is a snowball. You reap what you sow. I made a big change.”

“I wish I had this head and this personal life for years,” he continued. “Surely now, it is a ‘Pezão’ [Bigfoot] from ten years ago that will return. I had to fall several times to see where I went wrong. Falling is important, but the most important thing is to get up and, thank God, I managed.”

Silva was once one of the most celebrated heavyweight fighters. Prior to parting ways with the UFC in 2016, he has faced some of the biggest names in the sport such as Mark Hunt, Caine Velasquez and Alistair Overeem.