Although surely aware his heyday had since passed, former UFC heavyweight champ Tim Sylvia still fully committed to taking his 42nd pro fight on Saturday at Reality Fighting at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.
Instead, a surprise c…
Although surely aware his heyday had since passed, former UFC heavyweight champ Tim Sylvia still fully committed to taking his 42nd pro fight on Saturday at Reality Fighting at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.
Instead, a surprise chain reaction that began just three days before Saturday’s scheduled fight with JulianoCoutinho persuaded Sylvia to announce his retirement from the sport.
According to a report from ESPN.com’s Brett Okamoto, the Mohegan Department of Athletic Regulation (MDAR) didn’t discover that Sylvia was 40 years old until three days before his fight. Several websites, including Sherdog and Wikipedia, had Sylvia listed as 38.
In light of its discovery, and according to its policies for fighters 40 and older, the MDAR required Sylvia to undergo further testing—which included an MRI—in order to get licensed.
Sylvia’s MRI revealed an issue that prompted the MDAR to reject his application for a license, a decision that ultimately prompted the Iowa resident to retire from a career that began in early 2001.
Sylvia’s manager, Monte Cox, expanded on the findings of the MRI to Okamoto by saying, “He can go back and get another MRI in a year, but basically what they’re saying is there’s damage from blunt force trauma. He’s got damage there. Does it affect his everyday life? Not so far. Not that he can tell—but it’s certainly something to pay attention to.”
Sylvia hadn’t competed in the Octagon since getting choked (guillotine) by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in an interim heavyweight title fight at UFC 81 in early 2008.
Cox said Sylvia, who has suffered three TKO/KO losses since leaving the UFC, hadn’t underwent an MRI since 2005.
“The commission didn’t realize Tim was over 40 until three days before the event. There were some things on the MRI that weren’t on another MRI we had on file from 2003, meaning something happened over the course of the last 11 years. A neurologist said it could be something or it could be nothing.”
Sylvia dropped his last three bouts and hadn’t scored a win since TKO’ing journeyman Randy Smith at NEF Fight Night 3 in his home state of Maine in 2012. Since leaving the UFC, Sylvia was finished by FedorEmelianenko (rear-naked choke), Ray Mercer (KO), Abe Wagner (TKO) and Tony Johnson (TKO).
Cox pointed out that it was more than just a concerning MRI that caused the resilient Sylvia to call it quits.
I think it’s the end. He had gotten to a point where his body, through all the wars, just wasn’t able to get in the kind of shape he used to. Obviously, you could see that in his weight. He just can’t get into competitive form. I think (retirement) is good. With this MRI, why go on, when you’re only getting paid a fraction of what you’re worth?
Sylvia won the heavyweight title in just his second fight with the promotion by KO’ingRicco Rodriguez in the first round at UFC 41 in 2003. Sylvia finished with a 5-4 mark in UFC title fights and a 9-4 record in UFC competition.
(Tim Sylvia, in his bantamweight debut. / Photo via Getty)
UFC 182 was certainly the talk of the town this weekend, yet we couldn’t help but notice a former UFC Heavyweight Champion call it a day after going on an Arby’s world tour to train for his most recent bout.
According to The Underground, Maine’s own Tim Sylvia retired yesterday, shortly after his super-heavyweight fight against Juliano “Banana” Coutinho at Reality Fighting 53 was cancelled. Sylvia, who was planning on entering the battlefield at a whopping 371 pounds, was not cleared to fight by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT., and thank the good Lord for that.
However, manager Monte Cox confirmed on Facebook there was a problem with his pre-fight MRI, and the bout was cancelled due to other issues apart from his weight. Nevertheless, the face-off picture of a bloated Timmeh surfaced on social media and MMA sites around the world, and that was enough for its experts to stare at it without blinking for the whole duration of the UFC 182 main card (except for the main event, of course).
(Tim Sylvia, in his bantamweight debut. / Photo via Getty)
UFC 182 was certainly the talk of the town this weekend, yet we couldn’t help but notice a former UFC Heavyweight Champion call it a day after going on an Arby’s world tour to train for his most recent bout.
According to The Underground, Maine’s own Tim Sylvia retired yesterday, shortly after his super-heavyweight fight against Juliano “Banana” Coutinho at Reality Fighting 53 was cancelled. Sylvia, who was planning on entering the battlefield at a whopping 371 pounds, was not cleared to fight by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT., and thank the good Lord for that.
However, manager Monte Cox confirmed on Facebook there was a problem with his pre-fight MRI, and the bout was cancelled due to other issues apart from his weight. Nevertheless, the face-off picture of a bloated Timmeh surfaced on social media and MMA sites around the world, and that was enough for its experts to stare at it without blinking for the whole duration of the UFC 182 main card (except for the main event, of course).
On the tail end of a three-fight losing streak, last night would have been the 42nd time Sylvia competed in a professional MMA contest. As one of the proud Miletech boys fighting out of Bettendorf, IA., Sylvia made his debut at UFC 39, earning a TKO stoppage over Wesley “Cabbage” Correira. He would go on to win the heavyweight strap in his next fight, knocking out Ricco Rodriguez in one round at UFC 41. However, a failed post-fight drug test saw him stripped of the title after his win over Gan McGee at UFC 44.
After his arm was snapped like a wishbone courtesy of Frank Mir at UFC 48 for the vacant heavyweight title, Sylvia would lose to arch rival Andrei Arlovski shortly after, being his second unsuccessful attempt at claiming back his gold. After winning three fights in a row, “The Maine-iac” bested “The Pit Bull” to win back his title at UFC 59, and went up 2-1 in their rubber match at UFC 61. Considering their heavyweight trilogy was part of the UFC’s dark days, most fans will remember Sylvia’s title reign for the amount of times he showed up to the arena as a spectator with the belt around his waist, not to mention walking into restaurants with it on as he accompanied Matt Hughes to umpteen dosages of fried foods on UFC All Access.
Sylvia would eventually lose the belt to Randy Couture at UFC 68, and despite numerous title fights in the UFC, his loss against Pride champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira would be his last one, and ultimately, his final fight inside the Octagon.
Hell, he even tried to get back into the UFC not long ago, but it wasn’t going to happen as long as UFC head honcho Dana White was pulling the strings, even though he’s still tied for most successful heavyweight title defenses.
We bid you adieu, Mr. Sylvia … but for God’s sake, lose some weight.
(But you know what? He carries it well. / Props: Kirik Jenness)
Former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia was scheduled to fight Juliano “Banana” Coutinho tonight in the super-heavyweight main event of Reality Fighting 53, at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. Unfortunately, Sylvia was not cleared to fight by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation — after hitting the scales yesterday at 371 goddamned pounds.
But there might be more to the Department of Athletic Regulation’s decision to bar Timmy from fighting than his weight. Sources close to the event have indicated to CagePotato that there was actually a problem with an MRI that Sylvia was required to take before the match. Sylvia’s manager Monte Cox confirmed that Sylvia was required to undergo additional medical tests at the last minute due to his age. At any rate, concern for his brain health may have played a bigger role than the number on the scale.
We’ll update you when we know more. In the meantime, good Lord, Tim, please get on The Biggest Loser or something.
(But you know what? He carries it well. / Props: Kirik Jenness)
Former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia was scheduled to fight Juliano “Banana” Coutinho tonight in the super-heavyweight main event of Reality Fighting 53, at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. Unfortunately, Sylvia was not cleared to fight by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation — after hitting the scales yesterday at 371 goddamned pounds.
But there might be more to the Department of Athletic Regulation’s decision to bar Timmy from fighting than his weight. Sources close to the event have indicated to CagePotato that there was actually a problem with an MRI that Sylvia was required to take before the match. Sylvia’s manager Monte Cox confirmed that Sylvia was required to undergo additional medical tests at the last minute due to his age. At any rate, concern for his brain health may have played a bigger role than the number on the scale.
We’ll update you when we know more. In the meantime, good Lord, Tim, please get on The Biggest Loser or something.
(Alistair Overeem wielding Mjolnir / Photo via Getty)
Sometimes fans need more to remember a fighter by than just a performance or a gimmick. They need an accessory to associate that fighter with–and the very best fighters understand this and know how to accessorize.
We brainstormed at Castle CagePotato as to what accessory was the greatest of all time. After several thought-sessions ended in magic ice cream binges and Martin Luther cosplay sessions, we decided to just list off all the best ones rather than just decide which one among them was the best:
(Alistair Overeem wielding Mjolnir / Photo via Getty)
By the CagePotato Staff
Sometimes fans need more to remember a fighter by than just a performance or a gimmick. They need an accessory to associate that fighter with–and the very best fighters understand this and know how to accessorize.
We brainstormed at Castle CagePotato as to what accessory was the greatest of all time. After several thought-sessions ended in magic ice cream binges and Martin Luther cosplay sessions, we decided to just list off all the best ones rather than just decide which one among them was the best:
Four chefs, three courses, only one chance to win! The challenge: Create an unforgettable meal from the mystery items hidden in these baskets before time. runs. out. Our distinguished panel of chefs will critique their work, and one by one, they must face the dreaded chopping block. Who will win the $10,000 prize, and who will be…Chopped?
Four MMA fighters-turned chefs think they have what it takes to win. Lets meet them. First up, Tito Ortiz…
[*Cue a montage of Ortiz hitting truck tires with a sledgehammer, pointing to business documents that clearly have nothing written on them*]
Tito Ortiz: “My name’s Ito Tortiz. I mean, Tito Ortiz. For years, people have been doubting my ability to compete at the highest level of reality show cooking competitions. But I’m here to prove them all wrong today and show that ‘The People’s Champ’, like no other, cooks like no other.”
Tim Sylvia: (*while eating jelly doughnut*) “I’m a real outside the box thinker when it comes to preparing meals. Just the other day, I filled an old oil barrel with ham hocks and melted cheese. It was a fantastic mid-afternoon snack.”
Four chefs, three courses, only one chance to win! The challenge: Create an unforgettable meal from the mystery items hidden in these baskets before time. runs. out. Our distinguished panel of chefs will critique their work, and one by one, they must face the dreaded chopping block. Who will win the $10,000 prize, and who will be…Chopped?
Four MMA fighters-turned chefs think they have what it takes to win. Lets meet them. First up, Tito Ortiz…
[*Cue a montage of Ortiz hitting truck tires with a sledgehammer, pointing to business documents that clearly have nothing written on them*]
Tito Ortiz: “My name’s Ito Tortiz. I mean, Tito Ortiz. For years, people have been doubting my ability to compete at the highest level of reality show cooking competitions. But I’m here to prove them all wrong today and show that ‘The People’s Champ’, like no other, cooks like no other.”
Tim Sylvia: (*while eating jelly doughnut*) “I’m a real outside the box thinker when it comes to preparing meals. Just the other day, I filled an old oil barrel with ham hocks and melted cheese. It was a fantastic mid-afternoon snack.”
Jon Jones: “There’s a lot of misconceptions about Jon Jones. Jon Jones is arrogant. Jon Jones is cocky. Jon Jones is a death machine behind the wheel of a car. All I can say is that Jon Jones comes to win, and if you don’t like it, you can bite my bird.” (*looks to cameraman*) “Can you delete all that in about 15 seconds?”
And finally, Chael Sonnen…
Chael Sonnen: (*yelling at the top of his lungs*) “At long last, it’s the man with the flan! The shot caller with the lemon baller! The bad guy who makes a great apple pie! The-”(cut off by camera)
Alright chefs, please open your baskets for the appetizer round.
Your ingredients are: Skirt steak, Matzo Crackers, Orange Gelatin cups, and Collard Greens. Your time starts…now!
[*Cue a montage of all four fighters cooking ferociously/talking to the camera about their personal struggles*]
Alright chefs, let’s see what you’ve created!
Tito Ortiz
Tito Ortiz: “What I have for you today, heretofore, are skirt steak meatballs mixed with matzo crackers for texture, sauteed colored greens, and an orange gelatin reduction.”
Alex Guarnaschelli: “They’re actually pronounced ‘collard greens’, Mr Ortiz.”
Tito Ortiz: “That doesn’t make any sense. They’re not the *collar* green, are they?”
Aaron Sanchez: “I like your presentation, but I’m missing a bit of heat here.”
Tito Ortiz: “Well…uh…you know…I’m not making any excuses, but I’m competing with four fractured vertebrae and lupus today, so I’m just trying to prove all my doubters wrong like no other.”
Jon Jones
Jon Jones: “I’ve prepared ground skirt steak wrapped in collard greens with an orange gelatin dressing.”
Marc Murphy: “This is absolutely delicious, and the presentation is spot on, but I’m missing the matzo crackers here. Did you use them?”
Jon Jones: “I was not given adequate time to prepare a gameplan for matzo crackers with coach Jackson, so no, I did not use them. If we can reschedule a meeting between myself and matzo crackers in three weeks, I will gladly take them on then.”
Marc Murphy: “That’s not how this show works, Mr. Jones.”
Tim Sylvia: “Damn! If it’s OK with you guys, I am going to tweet about my desire for another shot on Chopped every single day for the next five years.”
Marc Murphy: “That’s fine. Just please, get out of here. You smell like you shit yourself midway through the appetizer round.”
Chael Sonnen
Chael Sonnen: “My esteemed judges, if you would so kindly direct your eyes to the culinary creation before you: A grilled skirt steak salad, with collard greens, matzo cracker croutons, and a balsamic, orange-gelatin vinaigrette.”
Alex Guarnaschelli: “Seriously? After all that trash you talked about crafting ‘The Manliest Meal Ever Manifested by a Mixed Martial Artist’, you take a punt and make a salad? You are all bark and no bite, Mr. Sonnen.”
Chael Sonnen: “Well, you see Alex, I am a new father, and its not my fault that you went and changed the rules on me. I had no opportunity to go before the Chopped commission and disclose that I physically could not craft the meal I had hyped up due to a chemical imbalance in my system. What I’m saying is, *you* are to blame for my mistakes.”
Alex Guarnaschelli: “You’re right. I’m sorry, Chael.”
Chael Sonnen: “Apology accepted.”
Aaron Sanchez: “I really like what you did with the orange gelatin and the balsamic. Just a fantastic vinaigrette that really brightens up the salad. The steak is a little tough, however.”
Chael Sonnen: “You’re damn right it’s tough! Tougher than any of the steaks these pansies cooked up, that’s for sure! And if you want to see what a real tough piece of meat looks like, knock on Wanderlei Silva’s door and ask for his wife!”
(*rushes camera, screams*) “Tune into Metamrois 4 on August 9th to see me lay a good ol’ fashioned whooping on Andre Galvao, and after that, I’m coming for the rest of these dimwitted, bus-feeding Brazilians! That’s Metamoris 4! August 9th!”
(*Sonnen is dragged off by security*)
Well, that leaves just the two of you, Mr. Jones and Mr. Ortiz.
Jon Jones: “I am ready to achieve the greatness I was destined for…” (*crouches down in crab pose*)
How about you, Tito?…..
……Tito? Does anyone know where Mr. Ortiz has gone?
Jon Jones: “He ducked out ten minutes ago, holding his back and limping.”
Well, I guess that makes you Chopped champion, Jon Jones! Congratulations!
Jon Jones: “Thank you, Todd. Now where do you keep all the booze at?”
It might be hard to believe when looking at him now, but there was a time not too long ago when Tim Sylvia was paid money to compete in physical activities. I know right? I’m seriously. It was the mid-2000’s, and “The Maine-iac” weighed in at a svelte 265 pounds. He was also the UFC Heavyweight champion, but looking back, I think the former accomplishment is arguably more impressive than the latter.
Regardless, after testing positive for stanozolol in his second title defense over Gan McGee at UFC 44, Sylvia would voluntarily relinquish his belt in disgrace*…and wind up receiving an immediate fight against Frank Mir for the belt he had just vacated at UFC 48 on June 19th, 2004 — ten years ago today.
It did not end well.
It might be hard to believe when looking at him now, but there was a time not too long ago when Tim Sylvia was paid money to compete in physical activities. I know right? I’m seriously. It was the mid-2000′s, and ”The Maine-iac” weighed in at a svelte 265 pounds. He was also the UFC Heavyweight champion, but looking back, I think the former accomplishment is arguably more impressive than the latter.
Regardless, after testing positive for stanozolol in his second title defense over Gan McGee at UFC 44, Sylvia would voluntarily relinquish his belt in disgrace*…and wind up receiving an immediate fight against Frank Mir for the belt he had just vacated at UFC 48 on June 19th, 2004 — ten years ago today.
It did not end well.
Not unlike a monster mash, Sylvia’s arm-breaking loss to Mir got on in a flash (again, my sincerest apologies). After a brief exchange on the feet, Sylvia latched onto Mir and drove him to the canvas, likely thinking that a ground and pound TKO over a fighter of Mir’s caliber would make for a nice addition to his already impressive resume. Problem was, Sylvia could barely get settled before Mir locked up a tight armbar that had “The Maine-iac” suddenly trying to slam his way out of trouble.
It was too late, and Mir proceeded to fracture Sylvia’s right radius bone in half. Herb Dean would lose his goddamn mind while witnessing this and wave off the fight, emitting a chorus boos from the audience so overwhelming that Bruce Buffer even forgot to announce Mir as champion.
The damndest thing is, Sylvia didn’t seem to care or even realize what kind of damage had been done to his arm — Herb Dean had to convince *him* that his arm had been broken. And even after seeing the footage of his arm doing just that, Sylvia would still not accept the stoppage.
“We’ll fight again,” said Mir in his post-fight interview. “We’ll fight right now,” Sylvia angrily replied.
I don’t know what was more impressive in that exchange, Sylvia’s toughness or his stupidity. Let’s go with toughness.
Unfortunately, Mir and Sylvia never would meet again. Mir would be forced to vacate his title after breaking his leg in a motorcycle accident and would not compete again for nearly two years. Sylvia, however, would eventually go on to reclaim his heavyweight championship and defend it two more times before running into some guy named Randy Couture at UFC 68. He would get axed from the UFC a couple fights later, get wrecked by Fedor in under a minute at Affliction: Banned, and then put on approximately 415 pounds while eating (heh) even quicker losses to Abe Wagnerand Ray Mercer. Sylvia has since been rallying for another fight in the UFC ever since, but are you fucking kidding me?
Just moments prior to Sylvia’s bone-shattering loss, Ken Shamrock picked up his last UFC win (and last notable win) over Kimo Leopoldo via KO (knee). It was quite an impressive accomplishment for the 40 year-old to say the least. The years that followed, however, would be filled with heartache. Heartache and defeat and lawsuits and more defeat. Also, heartache. But hey, Shamrock seems to be enjoying life as a bodyguard to the stars these days, and has even repaired his relationship with the UFC. So hooray for happyish endings.
We’ve thrown a video of Shamrock vs. Kimo below for your enjoyment. Drink in the nostalgia, you buncha bitches.
*Say what you want about Timmeh, you gotta give the man credit for owning up to his mistake and accepting his punishment like a man (looking at you, Vitor).
Although surely aware his heyday had since passed, former UFC heavyweight champ Tim Sylvia still fully committed to taking his 42nd pro fight on Saturday at Reality Fighting at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. 
