Two Tim Sylvia (24-6) articles in two days — what is the world coming to? It looks as though Sylvia is returning to MMA action, and no it is not with the UFC. Instead, the big guy will climb back into the cage against heavyweight Jason Riley (6-1) as part of Monte Cox’s Adrenaline promotion. Riley confirmed the bout via his Myspace account.
According to nwitimes.com “Adrenaline IV” will likely take place at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Sept. 18. Also expected to fight on the card are UFC veterans Houston Alexander and Jeremy Horn. Although Alexander is still under UFC contract, under special circumstances (like when a fighter has lost three fights in a row), the UFC will allow the fighter to take a fight or two outside the organization in order to get back on track.
Sylvia, a former UFC heavyweight champion, has lost his last three fights. His most recent defeat came at the hands of 48-year-old boxer Ray Mercer who knocked out Sylvia in just nine seconds back in June in Birmingham, Ala.
His opponent, Jason Riley, has spent his career thus far on the local regional circuit. Riley has knocked out his last two opponents, both in the first round. He also holds a win over UFC 65 veteran Josh Schockman at “Fightfest Capitol Punishment” back in 2007.
Some bloggers are outright calling for Sylvia’s retirement. What do you think? Should the big guy hang it up or focus on hunting and fishing full time? Yes, Sylvia has a special knack for embarrassing himself, but everyone has to make a living some way or another. He can still make a decent income in the smaller shows, and if you dislike Tim, then think of how much fun you can have watching him get KO’d a few times a year.