LAS VEGAS – Ellsworth native Tim Sylvia successfully defended his Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title Friday night with a first-round knockout of Gan “The Giant” McGee at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Sylvia, now living in Davenport, Iowa, improved his record to 18-0 by stopping the challenger from San Luis Obispo, Calif., in 1 minute, 54 seconds. McGee’s record dropped to 12-2.

“It feels great to keep the title,” Sylvia said. “The work’s over. Who’s next? I don’t really care.”