Sherdog’s Top 10: Finishes in UFC Heavyweight Title Fights

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1. Frank Mir vs. Tim Sylvia
UFC 48 “Payback”
June 19, 2004 | Las Vegas
Sylvia was an undefeated 6-foot-8 giant who had knocked virtually all of his previous opponents senseless, compiling a 16-0 record in the process. The Pat Miletich protégé captured the UFC heavyweight championship by clubbing Ricco Rodriguez in February 2003 and successfully defended it against Gan McGee seven months later, only to be stripped and suspended following a failed post-fight drug test. Many expected “The Maine-iac” to make Mir his latest victim in his quest to reclaim control of the division. The fight was over in 50 seconds, and a new champion was crowned. Sylvia threw a lazy right hand that was blocked. From there, Mir latched onto a limb, pulled guard and immediately wrenched his hips for the armbar. Sylvia never tapped, but referee Herb Dean saw what others could not and called for the stoppage. Sylvia complained, leading to confusion throughout the sold-out Mandalay Bay Events Center. However, when replays of the maneuver were shown, moans of unease reverberated across the arena. It showed Sylvia’s arm snap below the elbow.

Sherdog’s Top 10 series is voted upon by a panel of Sherdog.com staff members and contributors: Jordan Breen, Tristen Critchfield, Mike Fridley, Brian Knapp, Eric Stinton, Jesse Denis, Todd Martin, Josh Stillman, Nick Grinups and Anthony Walker.