Tim Sylvia Leaving The UFC

by Robert Sargent

Following a week of speculation, Tim Sylvia has officially stated that he is leaving the UFC. He has signed a multi-fight deal with Adrenaline MMA - the former M-1 Global - and would like to fight as often as six times per year.

The former UFC Heavyweight Champion also expressed a desire to fight Fedor Emelianenko sometime in the near future, as his new deal allows him to fight for other promotions.

Sylvia (24-4), stating that his career was at a crossroads, is aware that many big things are happening outside of the UFC. He said that he believes that he has three or four years of fighting left in him, and wants to fight as often as possible. Since his new deal is non-exclusive, he will be free to take fights in other promotions.

Adrenaline MMA, the new moniker for the former M-1 Global, plans to hold its first show on June 14th. Former M-1 Global President and CEO Monte Cox will lead the new promotion, while Bob Clark and Brian Patton will continue to serve in management.

Along with Sylvia, Adrenaline also signed former IFL heavyweight standout Ben Rothwell to a multi-fight deal. Rothwell (29-5), a top-15 heavyweight in the world, dominated the IFL before leaving amidst contractual disputes. He is a teammate of Sylvia's at Miletich Fighting Systems in Iowa.

"Japan's starting to get some big shows going again, and the Affliction show is going to be happening," said Sylvia. "So, I'm looking to fight in all of them; be real active, fight five or six times a year. And there's a guy out there named Fedor [Emelianenko] who I'd like to fight, and I think the only way that's going to happen is by me leaving the UFC."

Sylvia is a former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, having first captured the belt at UFC 41 against Ricco Rodriguez. He won the title a second time against Andrei Arlovski at UFC 59. Losses to Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira have left him looking for new challenges elsewhere.

In Adrenaline MMA, he may have found them.