Tim Sylvia post Gan McGee
Looking at Tim Sylvia’s present-day career, one might find it hard to believe that the ‘Maine-iac’ was once considered the top heavyweight in MMA.
However, it was a major reality in the early and mid-2000s. Sylvia had a stellar record of 15-0 and had knocked out Ricco Rodriguez in the first round to capture the UFC Heavyweight title. His first title defence came against fellow big man Gan McKee at UFC 44 in September 2003.
Sylvia’s first defence was a success; he beat McGee via TKO just one minute and 54 seconds into the first round. However, Sylvia tested positive for Stanozolol (a synthetic anabolic steroid) following the fight and was stripped of the title, suspended for six months and fined $10,000.
He fought for the vacated title against Frank Mir in June 2004, but lost via armbar just 50 seconds into the fight, severely breaking his arm in the process. He did eventually reclaim the title two years later and did not test positive to any banned substances in the 26 fights he has had since the McGee bout.
