It seems Tim Sylvia’s campaign to re-enter the UFC’s heavyweight division has made it to phase two.
MMAjunkie reports that the former UFC heavyweight champion has signed on with Zuffa’s other MMA promotion, Strikeforce, and will debut with the promotion this fall.
It may not be the UFC, but that’s about as close as you can get without making it all the way back.
But just because Sylvia is still on the outs with the UFC, it doesn’t mean he will lack for competition. On the contrary, the Maine-iac will face off against Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix champion Daniel Cormier this September.
In February, Sylvia released a video in which he stated that he is “doing this big push, trying to get back into the UFC,” and expresses his belief that he “could beat 80 percent of the guys in the UFC.”
Apparently Dana White has taken notice of Sylvia’s campaign, along with his recent string of success. Over his last eight contests, Sylvia has compiled a 7-1 record, including six stoppages.
Sylvia previously fought in the UFC from September 2002 to February 2008. During that time he amassed a 9-4 record with the promotion and held its heavyweight title on two occasions.
Sylvia rides a three-fight win streak into his showdown with Cormier, which is set for Sacramento on September 29.
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