Gargantuan heavyweight Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva was popped for steroid usage after defeating the late Justin Eilers in EliteXC and attaining their short-lived HW title.  Silva vehemently denied using the banned substance Boldenone and even filed a suit against the California State Athletic Commission with unsuccessful results. Silva somewhat slighted the CSAC and his suspension by taking a fight overseas shortly after, transcending the boundaries of the commission to continue his livelihood in Japan despite objections from the commission.  In an interview with Sherdog, Silva reveals that his suspension ceased on July 27th, and that not only did he intend to fight in America again, but he has several contracts in hand already.

Sherdog: You mentioned earlier your troubles with the CSAC were potentially resolved. Last time most of us heard from you, you had just taken up the CSAC in a civil suit. Was that successful and are you now able to fight in the states again? Silva: Unfortunately, I tried everything I could to show the CSAC that I was innocent, but I wasn’t able to. Since the 27th of July though, I’ve been able to fight again in the states, and that’s what I look forward to. Sherdog: So the actual extent of the suspension lasted until July 27, and now that that’s past, you’re able to go back to the states at any time to compete? Silva: After the 27th, yes, there was no extension, no other fights, nothing. So I’m able to fight now in the U.S. Sherdog: You also mentioned earlier that you were in talks with stateside promotions in the hopes of planning a return, mentioning interest in promotions such as the UFC and Strikeforce. Are you in talks with either of them? Silva: I do have some contracts in-hand right now, and we’re negotiating now. I’m looking at them, evaluating which one is best. Sherdog: Can you tell us which promotions they are from?   Silva: (Laughs) Right now, I can’t say which ones, but real soon, everyone will know.

Bigfoot takes on Jim York at Sengoku X, which takes place at 3:00 AM tomorrow morning.  York is a hard-hitting heavyweight who should never be overlooked, so let's hope Bigfoot has his sights set on the present.  For anyone hoping to see 12-1 Bigfoot Silva in the octagon, this interaction basically kills the potential due to the UFC's exclusive contracts:

Sherdog: Does your contract with Sengoku allow you to fight over there while still signed to them? Silva: Yes.

This puts Strikeforce as the obvious #1 candidate, where Silva would be a perfect fit to compliment their short list of ultra-talented heavyweights.  Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva fighting Fabricio Werdum on the "Fedor Vs. Rogers" card sounds like a plan to me. Full article:  Sherdog.com

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