UFC 59: Tim Sylvia Stops Arlovski, Tito Ortiz Beats Griffin
UFC 59: Reality Check marked the UFC’s first event in California on April 15, 2006. The Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, later known as the Honda Center, hosted nine bouts led by Andrei Arlovski’s heavyweight title defense against Tim Sylvia. Tito Ortiz also returned against Forrest Griffin, giving the promotion’s California debut two major attractions with very different endings.
Sylvia recovers and recaptures the belt
Arlovski had beaten Sylvia quickly at UFC 51 to win the interim heavyweight championship. By their rematch he was the undisputed champion, with successful defenses against Justin Eilers and Paul Buentello behind him. The opening exchanges at UFC 59 initially suggested he might repeat his earlier success.
Arlovski dropped Sylvia with a right hand, but Sylvia recovered. As the champion pursued the finish, Sylvia landed a right of his own and followed with punches on the ground. Herb Dean stopped the contest at 2:43 of round one, and Sylvia became heavyweight champion for a second time. The sudden reversal made the event’s “Reality Check” name particularly fitting.
The result left their series level at one win apiece. More immediately, it ended Arlovski’s reign and returned Sylvia to a position he had been trying to regain. The fight’s importance comes from that championship change and the dramatic recovery that made it possible.
Ortiz wins a close fight with Griffin
Ortiz’s light heavyweight matchup with Griffin was a non-title bout. Ortiz dominated much of the opening round with a takedown and ground strikes, but Griffin survived and fought his way back into the contest. Their exchanges over the remaining rounds made the result much less comfortable than Ortiz’s early advantage had suggested.
Ortiz won by split decision after three rounds. Griffin lost the fight, yet his recovery and competitiveness against a former champion strengthened his standing. The matchup began a series that would continue later in both careers; it was not a first-round Griffin knockout.
Veterans and contenders share the supporting card
Sean Sherk defeated Nick Diaz by unanimous decision at welterweight. Evan Tanner submitted Justin Levens with a triangle choke, and Jeff Monson took a split decision over Marcio Cruz. Those results kept several established names moving forward beneath the headline attractions.
Karo Parisyan stopped Nick Thompson with punches in the first round. David Terrell’s opponent was Scott Smith, whom he submitted with a rear-naked choke. Jason Lambert stopped Terry Martin in round two, while Thiago Alves defeated Derrick Noble in the opening round. Together, those four bouts completed the actual event record.
Complete UFC 59 results
Tim Sylvia defeated Andrei Arlovski by TKO (punches), round 1, 2:43, winning the heavyweight title. Tito Ortiz defeated Forrest Griffin by split decision. Sean Sherk defeated Nick Diaz by unanimous decision. Evan Tanner defeated Justin Levens by submission (triangle choke), round 1, 3:14. Jeff Monson defeated Marcio Cruz by split decision.
Karo Parisyan defeated Nick Thompson by stoppage from punches, round 1, 4:44. David Terrell defeated Scott Smith by submission (rear-naked choke), round 1, 3:08. Jason Lambert defeated Terry Martin by TKO (punches), round 2, 2:37. Thiago Alves defeated Derrick Noble by TKO (punches), round 1, 2:54.
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UFC 59, Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski, Tito Ortiz, Forrest Griffin, UFC Results
