Suspended Antonio Silva undergoes shoulder surgery after war with Mark Hunt

Antonio Silva had been hoping to make a quick turnaround and get right back in the cage after his epic battle against Mark Hunt a month ago.

But with his nine-month suspension for testing positive for elevated testosterone levels, that won’t be happening. Instead, even though “Bigfoot” told MMAjunkie not long after the bout at UFC Fight Night 33 that he was “a little beat up but nothing serious,” the heavyweight went under the knife for shoulder surgery.

Silva published a photo on his Instagram account following the procedure on his left shoulder. He gave a peace sign and assured fans the surgery went well.

“After hours of surgery in my shoulder I’m very well and I will be back 100% thank you everyone,” Silva posted.

Silva (18-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC) and Hunt (9-8-1 MMA, 4-2-1 UFC) went toe to toe for 25 minutes at UFC Fight Night 33, which took place in Brisbane, Australia. The fight featured big momentum shifts, near finishes for both fighters and at the end, it was declared a majority draw. Hunt got the nod from one judge, while two others scored it even.

The bout was considered an instant classic and was lauded as one of the greatest heavyweight contests in MMA history. But a little of that luster wore off when Silva tested positive.

The Brazilian has a therapeutic-use exemption for testosterone replacement therapy and had approval for its usage for the fight. But he tested positive anyway. He was stripped of the $50,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus he received, was suspended for nine months by the UFC and his draw was flipped to a no-contest. (The result for Hunt remains a draw.)

Silva spoke out following the failed test, blaming the doctor who administered the TRT. Silva, who suffers from acromegaly, said his testosterone levels were so low leading up to the fight that the doctor boosted his dosage. “Bigfoot” claimed the mistake was the doctor’s, not his.

So now, unable to fight until the fall no matter what due to the suspension, Silva elected to clear up a shoulder issue as long as he was on the shelf.

Check out the image Silva sent out above.

And for complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 33, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.