UFC: Hunt's opponent fails drug test

Mark Hunt hits Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva with an elbow due to injuring his hands during yesterday's clash. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi UFC heavyweight Mark Hunt has received an early Christmas bonus.

Details are emerging that his opponent from this month's UFC Fight Night 33 main event bout, Antonio `Bigfoot' Silva, failed his post-fight drugs test due to an elevated level of testosterone.

Website MMAjunkie.com has reported that Silva failed the screening and his $US50,000 (NZD$60,490) 'Fight of the Night' bonus will now be awarded to Hunt.

"Silva is on a medically approved regimen of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and had been in compliance with therapeutic guidelines on all pre-fight tests performed prior to the event,'' said a statement issued by a UFC representative to MMAjunkie.com.

"The results of his test on the day of the event indicated a level of testosterone outside of allowable limit. Silva has been informed that the elevated testosterone level is a violation of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and his Promotional Agreement with Zuffa.''

Silva moved to clarify his stance on the matter with a post on his Facebook page that said he followed doctor's orders to begin TRT but his dosage was increased heading in to UFC Fight Night 33 in Brisbane, which pushed him over the allowed limit.

"I only did what was recommended by someone trained who understands about the subject therefore it was not my mistake. I'm cool because I know that the mistake was not made by me, I never tried doing anything wrong for my fight,'' Silva's post said.

The failed test means Silva, who was also suspended for a year in 2008 for using steroid Boldenone, will now be stood down for nine months.

Hunt is also set for a lengthy stay out of the octagon after he badly broke his left hand during the five-round brawl with Silva, which many suggested was a `Fight of the Year' contender.

Hunt's 9-8-1 record will retain the draw, while Silva (18-5-1) will be credited with a no-contest.