The MMA Digest

Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (8-1) of Brazil has been medically cleared to return to the cage. He will fight for the first time since February when he collides with Jonathan Wiezorek (11-1) in one of Saturday’s top fights at the American Bank Center Arena in Corpus, Christi, Tex., on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

“We are really excited about ‘Big Foot’ getting the green light,” EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. “He has been cleared to fight in Texas. He went to the best neurosurgeons in the world, had a procedure done and now he is set.

“I am very happy for him. I believe he is the No. 1 heavyweight in the world and look forward to giving him the opportunity to prove it.”

The six-foot-four-inch Silva (antoniosilva.proelite.com) is not concerned with the layoff.

“I am not worried about anything. It is great to be back and I feel great,” he said. “I know my opponent is tough with a good record, but, if anything, he should be worried about me.

“I have dropped from 290 pounds to 265, which was what I had planned all along. I feel quicker, faster.

“I believe my best days are ahead of me. I want to stay active. I am not overlooking Wiezorek, but I would be comfortable fighting any of the biggest-named fighters right now.

“My goal is to prove that I am the No. 1 heavyweight in the world.”