It likely would have been competitive with Tim having a bit of an edge standing although I would pick Barnett via sub.
Yeah if it's standing Sylvia has a slight advantage. But I think Barnett would win this fight by taking him down and submitting him no matter what year you make the match.
I remember sylvia when roided. He was like an ogre. You couldn't stand with him but barnett could have taken him on the ground.
At his absolute best, I think I can see Sylvia winning that fight. He was tough to take down and Barnett's takedowns have never been the greatest and Sylvia had legitimate one punch power. Never really been a fan of his, but I'd probably pick Sylvia to win that one by KO.
I think prime Sylvia is a tough fight for Barnett. I think with his style of TD's he would have trouble with someone with that kind of build and Tim likely had the advantage standing. I still think Barnett eventually gets him down and subs him though.
Much tougher fight for Barnett than people think. Good strikers with good TDD have given him fits before. And Sylvia continues to be supremely underrated on this board. I'd bet on Barnett simply mostly because he has a more diverse skillset and is much more rounded. But this is not a fight I'd count Sylvia out of at all.
IF the fight went to the ground, Barnett via sub. If Josh couldn't take Tim to the ground, Tko for Sylvia.
I got Barnett here....his boxing was pretty dam good even back then and had good hand speed. Eventually would get the takedown and make Timmy tap
I don't think a takedown would be easy, the Couture fight does not IMHO show Sylvia's real takedown defence, rocked early and with a serious back injury. That said I think it would likely have happened at some point and Barnet would probably subs him via kimura/arm triangle.
Barnett is an even better wrestler than Couture, and is as large as Sylvia. If it had got out of the 1st round, I would be surprised.
