Two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia could announce his decision to leave the Las Vegas-based promotion as early as Friday, according to a source close to the situation.
Sylvia, who has one fight remaining on his current contract with the UFC, submitted to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in a bout for the interim heavyweight championship at UFC 81 in February.
Sylvia's departure could set the stage for a lucrative match with former Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko later this year. Still widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Emelianenko's services are being sought by a number of potential suitors, including EliteXC.
Sylvia (24-4) has won seven of his last nine fights — the lone defeats coming to Nogueira and Randy Couture, two of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Based out of the Miletich Fighting Systems camp in Bettendorf, Iowa, the gangly, 6-foot-8 Sylvia underwent back surgery following his unanimous decision loss to Couture at UFC 68 in March 2007. He made a successful return to the Octagon in October, as he handed Brandon Vera his first professional defeat at UFC 77.
