10. Tim Sylvia vs. Ricco Rodriguez
UFC 41 “Onslaught”
Feb. 28, 2003 | Atlantic City, New Jersey
Sylvia enjoyed two heavyweight title reigns in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the first of which began with his bludgeoning of Rodriguez before 13,401 fans at Boardwalk Hall. “Suave” succumbed to blows 3:09 into the first round. Sylvia, who entered the Octagon with a perfect 14-0 record, stymied the champion at every turn. When Rodriguez whiffed on takedowns, he pulled guard, only to have the 6-foot-8 “Maine-iac” disengage and return to an upright position. Even his bid for an armbar failed. Sylvia worked jab-cross combinations on the feet, probing for opportunities against the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. A straight right staggered and sat down Rodriguez near the base of the fence. Sylvia pounced in a kneeling position inside the Californian’s open guard and uncorked a burst of right hands that prompted referee John McCarthy to act.

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