Fedor Emelianenko vs. Andrei Arlovski Official for Affliction II

by Michael Rome on Oct 10, 2008 2:57 PM EDT in News Comment 40 comments

Congrats to MMA Rated on breaking the story:

MMARated.com has learned that WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko will face Andrei Arlovski at the upcoming Affliction show tentatively scheduled for January 24th in Anaheim, Calif.

Affliction Entertainment VP Tom Atencio confirmed the news with us earlier today.

Atencio also said that the promotion will officially announce the date, location and main fights on the card sometime next week and that it will be an MMA-only card but still co-promoted with Golden Boy Promotions.

"We sat down with them and couldn't come up with a main event boxing match that everyone wanted," Atenco said.

January is going to be another crazy month for MMA. The most likely date for this show is January 24, sandwiched between two UFC shows.

0 recs | Comment 40 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

AWESOME!

Buffalo Wild Wings here I comes :)

by xFenixKnightx on Oct 10, 2008 2:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...

(inhales)

…OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Two Top-10 fighters back-to-back? Is Fedor on roids now?

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Oct 10, 2008 2:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah Fedor is looking quite svelte.

"Well if it's gonna be that kinda party, I'm gonna stick my dick in the mashed potatoes."

by monkeyfightclub! on Oct 10, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol. It is hard to believe isnt it.

by Benicio on Oct 10, 2008 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Explosive!

"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007

by lovingmma25 on Oct 10, 2008 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I wish it were Barnett, but I definitely will not complain with AA.

http://mma4real.net/

by Tha Realness on Oct 10, 2008 3:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

BARNETT

Josh was offered the fight, but turned it down.

by bdw on Oct 10, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fedor by submission in the first. =)

by Nick Thomas on Oct 10, 2008 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

what I look forward to the most...

…is how the UFC will counter program this event.

by INGO B on Oct 10, 2008 3:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I believe that’s what UFC 93 (Ireland) – Franklin vs. Henderson, Coleman vs. Rua was for. UFC announced first… but it turns out they are off by a week.

by Nick Thomas on Oct 10, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And that’s partly because he has absolutely no one to fight now. Rothwell? Please. Sylvia? Maybe, but the only thing Timmy is capable of is spoiling megafights because he’ll never be a part of another one. And I won’t even mention Buentello or Nelson.

This is one of the problems with having a three-deep division: there’s always going to be an odd man out. I’ll watch this fight as part of a sweet three week MMA swing – and then I will kiss Affliction goodbye as a promoter.

by subo on Oct 10, 2008 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sylvia is supposed to be the 4th top 10 HW fighter in that division, but as you mentioned big Timmah’ has only serviced to spoil big fights as of late. He’s shown in the past that he has the tools to be an entertaining fighter (if still an annoying or just sad personality), but has been afraid of opening up for the fear of getting caught (though, to his credit, he started opening up a bit more against Nog, but ultimately paid the price for it).

That said, I’d still be intrigued to see Sylvia v. Barnett; yes Tim might lay another gigantic egg or will use his reach advantage to bore the audience to death. However it would be a good test for Barnett against a high ranking opponent, and provided he wins sets up a big match with Fedor (I’m assuming that Fedor takes Arlovski, which isn’t a given, but he’s certainly the favorite). But the problem may be that Barnett doesn’t want to fight for Affliction at the moment (e.g. because he can see the writing on the wall with).

by Estrada on Oct 10, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For the Tim haters...

I’m gonna snap all of you “Tim Sylvia Haters” back to reality…Here are the facts…Yes he lost to Fedor in less than one minute. SO WHAT! Last time I checked Tim KO’d A.A. then turned around and dispelled the “lucky punch” and whooped A.A.‘s butt for 5 rounds. The reason you saw Tim opening up vs. Nog is because he switched to a more aggresive local boxing coach Teddy Mueller. Ted is a recently retired pro boxer, who loves to trade punches. Unfortunately Tim didn’t get the chance to throw many punches vs. Fedor, but I believe that he has some exciting fights left in him. For all of you who wanna say he has lost 3 of 4…Look at the competition, Randy, Nog and Fedor. Wow, maybe someone should give Tim props for fighting the top fighters in the world instead of laying back and beating up on scrubs for a paycheck. Alright i’ll admit that I am friends with Tim and might be a little byast, but he has only lost to top ten guys in his career. Come on guys cut him some slack.

Now that I have that off my chest, A.A. doesn’t impress me very much with his last two wins. Beating up on 2nd rate opponents doesn’t show me that he is “back”. In my opinion he’ll be lucky to get outta the 1st round.

by ANance on Oct 10, 2008 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Rothwell and Nelson

are Top tier fighters. Both of whom I gather, have a very good chance at beating Sylvia. That’s great that your friends with him, but you’ve got to realize that he’s dug his own grave with his style and personality. And there are plenty of fighters that get criticized for being great except against top tier guys…Ninja Rua anybody?

by B Money on Oct 10, 2008 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn’t Arlovski a top tier guy?

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Oct 10, 2008 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and so was

Ricco Rodriguez when Tim beat him for the title.
And Brandon Vera was looking pretty damn good before he met up with Big Tim.

by Kid Nate on Oct 10, 2008 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But let’s not get bogged down with facts.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Oct 10, 2008 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ha

Top tier? U must be kidding…Someone like Nelson who self admitted trains for 1 week before a fight. You have got to be kidding me. Rothwell is better, but has not beat a top heavyweight in any of his 33 wins. I bet you thought Kimbo was “top tier” too…It’s cool if you don’t like Tim, But give the man his due.

by ANance on Oct 11, 2008 4:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He trained for one week because he took the fight on one weeks notice. Him and Rothwell are pretty even and if you noticed, he did better v AA the Rothwell. I am not convinced he is top tier, but he is very talented.

by szucconi on Oct 11, 2008 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BARNETT

see post above.

by bdw on Oct 10, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Fedor is going to roll through Arlovski, but this is a better matchup than Fedor v. Couture. Arlovski is definitely a top athlete at heavyweight.

by penxv on Oct 10, 2008 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Great fight! however, I see Fedor taking this without a ton of problems. AA, who I really like, leaves his chin open a lot, and one big overhand by Fedor will end it.

I agree with the wanting to see Barnett/Fedor, but more curiously, where is Barnett?? First his fight with AA evaporates, then he gets passed up for Fedor. Where does this leave him with a struggling promotion? Maybe WVR or something, but I would imagine he is becoming disillusioned with Affliction to an extent.

http://eliotmarshall.com/

by BJJDenver on Oct 10, 2008 4:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

AA VS FEDOR.

i say whoever lands the 1rst big meaningful punch. fedor throws wide looping punches, while a.a. throws fast straighter punches. i do believe fedor has the better chin of the 2 and will try and bring this fight to thye mat. why play into arlovski’s strengths, and stand and bang with him. if fedor gets him on his back ,arlovski is in big trouble. the big 30 by 30 ring that affliction has benefits a.a. imo. should be a great fight and i hope nothing happens in-between now and then.

by bdw on Oct 10, 2008 4:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

FINALLY

This is gonna be a great fight. Arlovski poses a lot of problems for Fedor but as always Fedor has the advantage. Hopefully Arlovski works his ground game because I see this is where the fight is going to go.

by Discman2 on Oct 10, 2008 4:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I am glad that he is going to fight Fedor. He shouldn’t be wasting time fighting club fighters in boxing. It is a very solid main event in my opinion and we will see how they market the fight. It is be very important how GBP tries and sell this to the masses. Fedor doesn’t get enough love from mainstream in my opinion and they should stress that this fight is even more important than any of the UFC title fights. Everyone is attracted to the heavyweight division but it seems as of late that aura has gone away. Fedor is the baddest man in MMA and they should point out that fact hard and try to bring in all MMA fights including the exclusive UFC fan.

by Zocalo on Oct 10, 2008 4:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

all MMA fans… not fighters… typo

by Zocalo on Oct 10, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think they were talking about a Margarito/Mosley boxing fight with the Affliction card( they are both supported by Affliction) but I think HBO said they wanted that fight exclusively on WCB.

by Zocalo on Oct 10, 2008 4:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

what about Barnett

I didn’t even think of how Barnett is being given the shaft. They will probably have Barnett fight Sylvia as a sort of former UFC champ vs former UFC champ type of thing.

by Discman2 on Oct 10, 2008 4:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

See above...

Barnett turned the fight down. He’s gonna be fighting in Sengoku next month.

by Chris Nelson on Oct 10, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Josh

realizes that World Victory Road will be paying him long after Affliction is long gone. Too bad they didn’t manage to book AA vs Barnett on the EliteXC card.

by Kid Nate on Oct 10, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AA VS BARNETT

i wish they would have too. the whole him being out of the country as the reason why this fight didnt happen was a bit puzzling to me. i mean, he was in japan, but in todays age of cell-phones,texting , and e-mail, one would think atencio could have found a way to contact him. i think affliction might be trying to lowball josh, but then again he doesnt seem to be able to get along with alot of orgs.

by bdw on Oct 10, 2008 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Surely Afflictions use-by-date shouldn’t affect Barnett’s getting a few more pay days with them and more exposure in the US market?

I do understand he doesn’t care much for the US market but still, business is business and we want to see those match ups dammit!

by Benicio on Oct 10, 2008 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh. I didn’t realize he was fighting at Sengoku. I haven’t been keeping up with my Sengoku news. Do you have a source that says Barnett turned it down? because last time it was said he turned down a fight Josh came out and said ‘I guess I missed that call’

by Discman2 on Oct 10, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This fight and the Sylvia fight

make me glad Affliction has existed even if it turns out to be a brief life.
Now if they can pull off the hat trick and set up Fedor vs Barnett in their 3rd event I’ll be thrilled.

by Kid Nate on Oct 10, 2008 4:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

AFFLICTION

and ive read that they are making it an all mma event, wich is a good deal for affliction. now they get to have an all mma event like usual, while having goldenboy absorb some of the costs and help with the promotion and the production. a win-win situation for them imo.

by bdw on Oct 10, 2008 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here’s a recent Barnett interview with PunchDrunkGamer:

PDG: So do you plan on fighting on the Affliction card set for January 24th?
Barnett: I do and I really hope that since the event was postponed that we can make this next show something special. I think that with all of the fighters that they will have available for that event with the new partnership with Goldenboy; I think Affliction has the opportunity to put a show on that will be better than what any other organization can do.

PDG: So what was the deal with all of the rumors about you not wanting to fight Andrei Arlovski this past weekend?
Barnett: Some Internet reporter jumped the gun! No offense but whatever Intel they were using was wrong. I was in Japan and I definitely did not turn the fight down. Tom Atencio was unable to get a hold of me and so he offered the fight to Roy Nelson. It was more of a mis-communication error and no I was not happy about. It’s over and done with and the two of them had a good fight and Arlovski picked up another win.

PDG: Since your flight was canceled; how much are you training right now?
Barnett: Still training hard because there is a possibility that I could fight November 1st on the Sengoku card. I am also going to be pro wrestling for the IGF in November. Other than that, I also have a fight coming up for Affliction. So I have to be ready to go and injury free for whatever comes my way.

PDG: So what about Sengoku? Any thoughts or opponents in mind?
Barnett: I think they could definitely use me on the card and I would like to help bring in the fans for the event. I don’t want to wait until January for my next fight. As far as possible opponents go, I really don’t have that information yet.

by Nick Thomas on Oct 10, 2008 6:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Fedor by murder. On the ground, of course.

"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill

by FlyByKnight on Oct 10, 2008 7:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

On the ground? Yes. Murder? Not likely.

by Benicio on Oct 10, 2008 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

“We sat down with them and couldn’t come up with a main event boxing match that everyone wanted,” Atenco said.

The Arlovski vs Fedor fight was what most people were assuming/hoping for anyway but the above quote certainly stands out to me. Affliction and Golden Boy entered into a partnership where Affliction provides MMA fighters and Golden Boy provides boxers for a mixed show and they have already disagreed on the boxing part of it? Is there already trouble in paradise with the Affliction/Golden Boy co-promotion?

by who me on Oct 11, 2008 12:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs