Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva Heads to Russia Following UFC Release | MMAWeekly.com

Former Elite XC Heavyweight champion Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva was released by the UFC last week and will fight in Russia on Nov. 18. MMAJunkie.com first reported the news.

Silva (19-10, 1 NC) competed eleven times inside the Octagon in his four years with the fight promotion. After an unsuccessful run at the UFC title in 2013, Silva has one win in his last eight outings. He’ll face undefeated Ivan Shtyrkov (4-0) in the Titov Boxing Promotion in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

“We are very excited for the new opportunity,” Silva’s manager, Alex Davis told MMAJunkie. “Bigfoot was already in the gym today, preparing for the fight against Shtyrkov.

“Russia has become a big hub of the MMA world, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

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Silva is enthusiastic about what his future holds and is excited about his Russian opportunity.

“I’m very excited about the upcoming fight against Shtyrkov,” Silva said. “I have made many fans in Japan, Brazil and the U.S., and I will make amazing fans in Russia. Thank you to all my fans, RCC Boxing Promotions from Russia, and to Alex Davis and Narcis Mujkic, who made this fight happen.”

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