· Tim Sylvia Removed From “Affliction: Trilogy”

Following his ten-second knockout loss to "Merciless" Ray Mercer, Tim Sylvia has been removed from the upcoming “Affliction: Trilogy” card, MMA FanHouse is reporting. The loss for Sylvia is his third consecutive, and the first knockout he’s sustained. Affliction Entertainment Vice President Tom Atencio made the announcement today, citing the former UFC heavyweight champion’s best interest.

Though the California State Athletic Commission did not recommend Sylvia’s removal, according to Atencio, he decided to err on the side of caution being that the proposed fight is less than sixty days away.

Sylvia’s scheduled opponent, Paul Buentello, expressed his dismay to FanHouse. "What would it do for me now in front of the fans? I don't know if the hype is still there after him getting beat," Buentello said.

Atencio is confident that Buentello would still be on the card and indicated that he would likely face Pedro Rizzo or Gilbert Yvel, depending on who wins their forthcoming bout at "Ultimate Chaos" on June 27 in Biloxi, Miss. Atencio is fighting on the same card.

"Affliction: Trilogy" takes place on August 1 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. The main event is the long-awaited WAMMA heavyweight title match between Fedor Emelianenko and Josh Barnett.