‘The Maine-iac’ Tim Sylvia, a former five-time UFC titleholder, seems to be trying his hand at a rather unconventional sport after retiring from MMA over a decade ago. According to the latest reports, the 47-year-old is now entering the world of slap fighting but has ditched Dana White‘s Power Slap League and signed up with SlapFIGHT Championship instead.
Despite having an illustrious career as an MMA fighter with some highlight moments in the UFC, Sylvia’s decision to venture into the world of slap fighting hasn’t garnered much excitement among fight fans. While Sylvia’s time in the UFC was marked by both good and bad moments, entering the world of slap fighting, which doesn’t hold much regard among MMA fans, has brought out rather underwhelming reactions from disappointed fight fans.
Tim Sylvia, the first MMA fighter to compete in slap fighting
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According to John Morgan from ‘MMA Underground’, UFC legend Tim Sylvia is set to make his SlapFIGHT debut on April 22, headlining the promotion’s 25th pro slapping event against ‘Bulldozer’, who currently holds a record of 1-0 in his slap fighting career.
Former #UFC champ Tim Sylvia (@timsylviamma) is making the move to Slap Fighting.
"The Maine-iac" will compete on April 22 for SlapFIGHT Championship (@SlapFIGHTUSA), the organization that preceded @powerslapleague.
Details: https://t.co/y3qBiAAfu4 pic.twitter.com/UwN9Cx8XBD
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) March 30, 2023
Confirming the news, the company’s CEO J.T. Tilley said, as reported by MMA Underground, “We are extremely excited for the debut of Tim Sylvia at SlapFIGHT.”
“Tim has joined us as a guest cornerman during our past two underground events, and the excitement of the sport has captured his focus. He has reached a multi-fight agreement with SFC and we look forward to seeing him in competition on April 22.”
This development makes ‘The Maine-iac’ the first-ever MMA champion to enter the world of slap fighting. While it is undoubtedly a significant move for him, it has not gone down well with the MMA fanbase.
Fans express utter disappointment with the news
News of Tim Sylvia’s entry into the world of slap fighting has not been met with great enough enthusiasm by the MMA fanbase. Fans have expressed their disappointment, citing various aspects that drive their discontent.
Check out how the MMA fans reacted to it:
Doesn’t he have infected rods in his arms too? This is kinda dark.
— Cale Chips (@HighFiberTakes) March 30, 2023
Many were unhappy with the news.
This just makes me sad. Get thst money tho, can't hate.
— FortyRixx (@Ethanrix23) March 30, 2023
This is depressing to say the least.
— Hershey Barber (@HershBar) March 30, 2023
The discussion of MMA fighters not making enough money was brought up again.
It's almost like fighters don't actually make that much and have to keep doing dumb shit to make money.
— joe (@the_guy_2011) March 30, 2023
‘Sad’ was a common feeling the fans felt.
💔😢 this is so sad
— Madflavor89 (@madflavor89) March 30, 2023
A person thought it wasn’t a wise decision.
Doesn’t seem like a wise decision for a 47 year old
— Father of 3 (@whiter069) March 30, 2023
This is sad af, a former champion deserves better https://t.co/ln6aErv40k
— Anthony Walker (@AntWalkerMMA) March 30, 2023
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Nevertheless, this is the first time that we will see a seasoned fighter like Sylvia compete in the world of slap fighting. And it will be interesting to see how Sylvia’s experience and skill set translate to this unconventional combat sport.
He fought in the UFC from 2002 to 2008 and Randy Couture and Andrei Arlovski were two of his biggest opponents.
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What are your thoughts on this? Please let us know in the comments below.
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