In what was anticipated to be his last appearance inside the cage, António “Bigfoot” Silva faced a daunting challenge as the main event of the inaugural Kingdom Fighting event. However, fate had a different plan for the revered Brazilian fighter.
Silva’s journey in recent years has been marked by adversity. With just one victory in his last eight fights in the UFC, he experienced a series of knockout and TKO losses that tested his resilience. Despite his determination, subsequent ventures in smaller promotions failed to yield a victorious outcome since his triumph over Soa Palelei back in 2015.
The battle-hardened warrior has faced numerous obstacles on his path, but his unyielding spirit has carried him through. Although this may have been his 35th and, as initially believed, final bout, Silva’s legacy as a true warrior in the world of mixed martial arts remains intact.
In a continued pursuit of redemption, António “Bigfoot” Silva faced yet another setback in his combat sports journey. Following a knockout loss to Oleg Popov at MMA Series 53, the resilient fighter ventured into the realms of kickboxing and boxing, only to face defeat once again. Despite the disappointments, Silva remained determined to leave his mark on the world of mixed martial arts.
With retirement looming on the horizon, Silva made the decision to return to the MMA stage for what he proclaimed would be his farewell fight. This announcement brought a mixture of anticipation and relief among fans, as many believed it was time for the legendary fighter to hang up his gloves.
Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva Faces 11th Consecutive Defeat
His final appearance took place at Kingdom Fighting 1, where he squared off against Salim El Ouassaidi. Although Silva managed to avoid being finished, he ultimately fell short, losing a decision in the main event bout. Clips from the fight surfaced on social media, capturing the poignant moments of his last stand inside the cage.
Salim El Ouassaidi defeats Bigfoot Silva by decision in the Kingdom Fighting 1 main event. This marks Silva's 11th consecutive loss across four sports stemming back to 2015. pic.twitter.com/TClOcnCEMY
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) June 10, 2023
Despite the outcome, Silva’s unwavering determination and indomitable spirit have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and the history of mixed martial arts.
Silva bid farewell to his fighting career by placing his gloves in the cage and bowing to them. His heartfelt Instagram post confirmed his retirement, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of fans and the history of mixed martial arts.
“It was a great fight,” Silva said during an Instagram Live. “We tried the knockout all the time, he and I, and in the end I retired. I put down my gloves in the center of the octagon. To me, everything has a beginning and an end, and I’m very happy and satisfied. We never want to stop, no professional athlete wants to stop, even in volleyball or football, but everything has a time, and I did this for 19 years.”
Prior to the string of losses that marked the end of his career, Silva, 43, achieved notable victories against renowned fighters such as Andrei Arlovski, Fedor Emelianenko, Travis Browne, Alistair Overeem, and Soa Palelei. These wins propelled him to the status of a UFC title challenger.
