Andrei Arlovski's Boxing Debut Postponed to Focus on MMA?

by Leland Roling on Sep 10, 2009 1:54 PM EDT in News Comment 95 comments

Andrei-arlovski_thumb_medium This is getting a bit ridiculous. Former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski has stated that he's postponed his boxing debut that was tentatively set for late October, early November in order to focus on MMA via his chat at Arlovski.com:

Fighters.com’s tenth-ranked heavyweight "Pitbull" Andrei Arlovski (14-7) has postponed his previously planned professional boxing debut anticipated for the end of September or early October to focus on MMA, Arlovski announced at Arlovski.com Wednesday night.

"MMA now is number one priority for me," Arlovski assured fans during a video chat, but he hasn’t buried his squared circle aspirations, adding, "Definitely, I want to try [boxing]." Arlovski also announced he’s considering competing at a North American Grappling Association event, saying, "I’ve been working on my jiu-jitsu."

While this isn't a huge flip flop, Arlovski is certainly changing his stance as to where he wants his career to go following his loss to Fedor Emelianenko and Brett Rogers via devastating knockout. His chin is obviously a huge question from the viewpoint of MMA fans, and he may be wondering if boxing is such a good idea after being completely exposed. On the plus side, it sounds like Arlovski is starting to train on the ground, a welcome sight for fans hoping "The Pitbull" will make his way back to his winning ways.

He also talked about slimming down to around 240 pounds, and he also talked about the possibility of rematching Tim Sylvia and fighting in the UFC:

Arlovski did reiterate his desire to rematch fellow former UFC champ "Maine-iac" Tim Sylvia (24-6). "Any time, any day," challenged Arlovski. When asked whether he or Sylvia would be the first to return to the UFC, Arlovski said, "Nobody don’t want to sign Tim Sylvia."

He also dispelled rumors regarding his foray into the game of Russian Roulette, although the quote makes it sound like he still played, but only because he was in a bad mood. I can see the jokes stirring already.

“Some guy on Internet said I played Russian roulette because I was depressed about losing,” Arlovski said. “Let’s get real here, guys. I didn’t play Russian roulette because I was depressed that I lost to Brett Rogers. I wasn’t depressed. I was just in a bad mood.”

It's interesting that Arlovski has suddenly switched back to focusing on MMA, but I think it may have something to do with his desire to actually start working on a ground game. He has the stand-up game to give a lot of opponents problems, but his chin is always going to be a question from fans. If he can develop a decent ground game, he could be dangerous to some names outside the UFC that will get him some substantial paydays. If he's successful, he'll likely begin focusing once again on boxing. His bout with Ben Rothwell didn't give me a whole lot of confidence in his ground game, so hopefully he has some top-notch trainers helping him out.

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Sambo?

I thought Arlovski had a sport sambo background to work with. Correct me if I’m wrong but wouldn’t that least constitute the beginnings of a decent ground game?

by KahilBS_Marshal on Sep 10, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but he hasn’t used it in years… and it almost looks like he’s abandoned it completely. Watch that Rothwell fight. Rothwell gains top control at one point, and Andrei looks as if he has no idea what to do. He lays there eating blows and the bell rings.

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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Sep 10, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

was that the same fight with the questionable stand-up by the ref?

i’m remembering andrei being stuck and getting beat up, and a bad stand-up calling practically giving him the win.

or do i have that wrong…

by GregS123 on Sep 10, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly, Andrei almost looked like a zombie at one point in that flurry, and I think that is the fight. He might have actually got rocked, but I’m not sure. It’d be great if he went back to his Sambo roots, but I think he’s trained for the exciting stand-up fights for so long that it became his “go to” skill.

Jiu-jitsu training will probably bring the Sambo out of him since Sambo is really a mixture of traditional wrestling, judo, jiu-jitsu, etc.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Sep 10, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Arlovski has always trained jiujitsu under Dino Costeas, a Rickson Gracie BB. I just think he has a tendency to panic in pressure spots.

by judonerd on Sep 10, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You may be right, but he looked completely useless against Rothwell when it hit the floor. Better against Nelson though.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Sep 10, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

just to play devil’s advocate though, couldn’t you argue that andrei’s incredible speed and high level boxing (for MMA) are reasons that he could continue to make that his style?

if not for a dumb mistake it seemed it was working against fedor, and he’s beat a lot of other top guys with his boxing.

i really think andrei’s mental errors are a big part of his losses, not necessarily his skillset or whether or not he takes it to the ground.

by GregS123 on Sep 10, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously, you could. But… as evident in his losses, he’s still prone to being destroyed with that style. I think if he has the danger of beating opponents on the ground as well, it’ll help him much more in striking as well.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Sep 10, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup. either way, i’m glad he’s talking about returning to focus on MMA. very exciting fighter.

by GregS123 on Sep 10, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that was against roy nelson

ref stood them up while nelson was working for a kimura because the ref didnt know it was happening

by pl4tinum on Sep 10, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

right thanks. i was rooting for andrei at the time, but that still infuriated me.

by GregS123 on Sep 10, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He looked worse on the ground against Rothwell. And if anyone watches the Neslon fight, the “bad” stand-up was after Nelson lost this hold for the kimura. Nelson had been working on it for awhile but after Arlovski got his arm free the ref then stood them up. I thought it was bad too, until I re-watched it.

by nottheface on Sep 10, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even if he had lost the hold he wasn’t “inactive” on the ground and shouldn’t of been stood up.

by who me on Sep 10, 2009 3:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

He didn’t need to stand them up, but after Nelson spent a min going for the kimura and losing it, he knew the fans were getting restless. Was it a “good” stand-up? No. But it wasn’t as bad as some suggest – that Arlovski was only saved from being tapped out because the ref stood them up.

by nottheface on Sep 10, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What the fans were getting is completely irrelevant to what the ref does, hell if the ref took any action at all based on fan reaction then he should be banned for life from the sport. He is there to enforce the rules not the whims of crowd. As long as Roy Nelson was staying busy on the ground and working to improve his position he should of been allowed to stay there as long as he wanted to.

by who me on Sep 10, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that was the Nelson fight

but he looked helpless on the ground against Rothwell too.

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by Kid Nate on Sep 10, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Roy Nelson had taken down and gotten half guard before they were stood up for inactivity also,

by KahilBS_Marshal on Sep 10, 2009 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

an improved ground game would be good, but i have to think the #1 thing for andrei to work on is his mental game.

he just… screws up too much. get focused and stay smart in the ring andrei!

by GregS123 on Sep 10, 2009 12:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with Greg about AA’s mental game being his biggest problem. He just makes stupid mistakes, when he should know better. And to add to that, I think all the talk of him having a glass jaw are way overstated. Against Rogers he retreated straight back until he hit the cage and got hit with 2 huge bombs by a 250lb dude. It was his striking defense that failed him not his chin. Against Fedor, He made a silly mental error that led him into a big overhand. Those shots from those 2 guys would probably knock out anyone.

by moopwontplay on Sep 10, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Many of the hits that Arlovski has been KOed with would have knocked any Heavyweight out. I too feel that it is more of Arlovski’s defense than his chin.

by chrisbboy82 on Sep 10, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I agree, a hard punch from Fedor or Rodgers is enough to KO most everyone.

for all intents and purposes, just consider all my posts as works of satire.

by Bandaka on Sep 10, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly! You don’t drop your hands to throw a leg kick when your opponent is 265 lbs, with a long reach, and can punch!

by nottheface on Sep 10, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he got cocky against Fedor, and was in the boxing mindset of being able to take shots and exchange from all his training with Roach. Perhaps even looking ahead.

by ryanwk628 on Sep 10, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Brett Rogers can lose and go back and change his tires in his body shop. I want Fedor to win."

Them be fighting words.

by Nick Thomas on Sep 10, 2009 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I was hoping for a pee-pee quote from AA on the Tim Sylvia stuff.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Sep 10, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t understand Arlovski. He basically destroyed his career because of his boxing dreams, left the UFC, trained under Roach before his MMA fights and know he is again postponing his boxing debut.

http://www.mmarocks.pl
https://twitter.com/mmarocks_pl

by Venom77 on Sep 10, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

now not know :)

http://www.mmarocks.pl
https://twitter.com/mmarocks_pl

by Venom77 on Sep 10, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about?

by Nick Thomas on Sep 10, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Arlovsky dodged a bullet.
He should try to get back in the UFC and live a peaceful life as a gatekeeper. But he will need to get rid of this aura of failure that surround him lately. No more Russian roulette, no more loss.

You don't look like a Tanaka.

by spectaa on Sep 10, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he was beating the best heavyweight in the world for a little under a round, I’d say that he could be a bit more than a gatekeeper.. He really just needs to get his act together, focus on grappling and defensive standup instead of always pressing the action..

I agree he should return to the UFC though, Arlovski of old is one of the main reasons i got into MMA

by amadeus on Sep 10, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's the thing

I think Arlovski could be top 4 or 5 in the UFC, maybe number 2 or 3 with some luck and a ground game. He just needs to pull it together. Apart from Carwin and Brock, I think he has a good shot against anyone in there.

by pl4tinum on Sep 10, 2009 12:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

oops

Forgot nogueira, he’d wreck arlovski. Mir maybe too. Oh wel maybe I’m nuts.

by pl4tinum on Sep 10, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mir vs Arlovski would actually be a very good fight. On his good days, Arlovski actually has some pretty strong takedown defense and of course his offensive standup is top-notch (on his good days of course). I would actually like to see that fight.

by chrisbboy82 on Sep 10, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think your initial statement was true. I think Arlovski would take Noguiera and Mir.

by bleve_ on Sep 10, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

4 sure if AA is on AA is on. if not then he goes to sleep.

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nog would pull guard, sweep and choke.

Keep firing Assholes!

Protect your caterpillar from Kimbo Slice.

by Ubernoober on Sep 10, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AA’s top game is very good. i dont think it would be very easy for Nog to sweep. but never say never. no one will know 100% unless they fight, but IMO AA will TKO NOg.

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nog swept Randy, and AA seems to paralyzed from the waist down every time the fight hits the ground recently.

Keep firing Assholes!

Protect your caterpillar from Kimbo Slice.

by Ubernoober on Sep 10, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah i was just about to say, if Nog swept Randy, he can sweep AA

by amadeus on Sep 10, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Nog’s chin seems to have grown back too.

Keep firing Assholes!

Protect your caterpillar from Kimbo Slice.

by Ubernoober on Sep 10, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

cmon guys if AA is on his A game he is way stronger then 46 year old Randy. and his stand up is WAYYYY better then Randy’s any day.

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AA hasn’t had his ‘A game’ since Tim Sylvia dropped him with that uppercut.

by Steve4192 on Sep 10, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well we will see about that.

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i’d love to see a well-prepared arlovski against carwin. carwin might get decimated standing before he could bring it to the mat.

by GregS123 on Sep 10, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

He wasn’t depressed , only in a bad mood , so that’s why he played Russian roulette? What can I tell ya … wouldn’t wanna be near him when he’s in a ‘bad mood’…

by JoelMan on Sep 10, 2009 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I want to say that he probably meant to say he was just in a bad mood, never got depressed and played Russian Roulette, but who knows.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Sep 10, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i mean, if you’re in the position where you’re playing a game with a LOADED gun, putting it TO YOUR HEAD and PULLING THE TRIGGER, you’re a bit more than in a bad mood.

by amadeus on Sep 10, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Im sorry this has to reach your weekly quotes thingie , it’s gold

by JoelMan on Sep 10, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea, I read it as he was just in a bad mood, so he wasn’t depressed, and didn’t pay Russian roulette.

between the big pee pee and “Nobody don’t want to sign Tim Sylvia,” he isn’t an English major by any means. So i don’t think we should be breaking down his statements word for word.

by Phildo on Sep 10, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn’t “nobody don’t” be a double negative (aside from being incorrect usage)?

Maybe AA and Tim can cagebox on a Monte Cox card in Alabama?

by who me on Sep 10, 2009 3:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

he's from belarus man

why would you expect a foreign person to be any more articulate than any other domestic athlete in our country?

by amadeus on Sep 10, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t expect him to be any more articulate than that but that doesn’t mean I can’t make fun of bad grammar on the internet. Am I not allowed to make jokes when fighters say funny things? I didn’t realize Arlovski making fun of Tim Sylvia was a deadly serious topic.

by who me on Sep 10, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can make fun of it, but don’t hold him to it. People are reading this like he said, “i didn’t play russian roulette because I was depressed, I did it because I was in a bad mood.” which is kind of what he said, but he probably meant, “i wasn’t depressed, i was just in a bad mood, so i didn’t play russian roulette.”

by Phildo on Sep 10, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I discounted the Russian roulette story from the very start, I mean that really was a bit much. I was just making fun of AA dogging Tim Sylvia with his poor English skills……again. I have to think that rivalry between the two is one of the most hardcore (and funniest) in the entire sport, the fact that AA doesn’t quite get his smack talk right makes it all the better.

Did people actually believe the Russian roulette story? Seriously?

by who me on Sep 10, 2009 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t be surprised if this was about money.

Everyone always says that boxers make so much money, but the reality is, only to top guys are getting the big bucks.

He’s already worked his way up the MMA ladder, there’s really no reason to switch now and start over. he isn’t going to be getting Affliction money in MMA, but he’s not going to be getting that in boxing either (unless he works his way up). People need to realize that the Affliction money is gone, and it’s going to take a while for MMA payscales to get that high, unless you can bring in over a million ppv buys.

by Phildo on Sep 10, 2009 12:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like there is a deal in the works to me.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Sep 10, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s in Andrei’s best intrests to avoid the UFC’s new wave of mega-wrestlers.

Keep firing Assholes!

Protect your caterpillar from Kimbo Slice.

by Ubernoober on Sep 10, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

re-watch his fights with matyushenko and o’brien. he’s got good takedown defense.

by FiatJustitiaRuatCaelum on Sep 10, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Matyushenko and O’Brien are Light Heavyweights now…

Keep firing Assholes!

Protect your caterpillar from Kimbo Slice.

by Ubernoober on Sep 11, 2009 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps Andrei

is working his ground game for Bully Beatdown. Can’t stand and punch through the whole show.

by rzor on Sep 10, 2009 12:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

lol i think you are probably right

by GregS123 on Sep 10, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

One time I was in a bad mood so I played on a trampoline next to the edge of the top of the Sears Tower….

The mat is my church, the ground is my heaven, Jiu-Jitsu is my religion. And once you hit the ground you're in my world. My world is like the ocean, I’m like a shark and most people don't even know how to swim - Draculino

by AboveThisFire on Sep 10, 2009 12:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

MMA fighters who fall in love with their own stand-up skills equals disaster in the boxing ring, IMO. MMA and Boxing are two different things, and I think it was Jens Pulver who said before Tim Sylvia’s fighta gainst Ray Mercer that Tim would be in big trouble. I can’t find the quote, but he said something to the effect that when you’re fighting a guy like him, a boxer that can do what he does with just his hands, you have to watch out. Anyway, I’m glad AA is going back to focus on MMA, cause despite his recent losses, I still think he is exciting to watch (his movement in the ring against Fedor was awesome. It was cool watching him frustrate Fedor like that. That is, before he tried that stupid flying knee and got himself KTFO.) AA with an improved ground game and some take down ability would go a long way in helping him with his standup. His chin is suspect, but he’s got the reaction time and speed to give other HWs a lot of troubles on the feet if he can get them worried about being taken down. With his speed, those split seconds could be enough time for him to pounce.

I love me some Sexyama!

by pud333 on Sep 10, 2009 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think this is great news. Andre still has so much to offer MMA and its fans. The questions about his chin are valid but a little misguided… no heavyweight in the UFC would have not been knocked out by either of the blows that he got knocked out by… but, because he’s now suffered from some minor concussions, he’s definitely now more prone to get dazed easier.

Him working on his ground game sounds like he’s getting solid advice… he needs to move around the ring like an mma fighter, not a boxer, and practice his “elusiveness.”

by bleve_ on Sep 10, 2009 12:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if there is any chance

Arlovski works his way into Strikeforce, rather than the UFC. He could easily pick off some of the bottom feeders there, and perhaps get a rematch with Rogers and Fedor.

by rzor on Sep 10, 2009 12:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

that sounds good also, i want him to rematch Rogers just because he got rushed and Koed way to soon, seems like he got caught, the only thing he should work on is him moving back straight in a line if someone is rushing him, and when he reaches the end of the cage…guess what. he runs out of space. and gets KOed.

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AA

wanted to showcase his boxing in that fight. You cant take the same shots with 4oz gloves that you can with boxing gloves.

by ryanwk628 on Sep 10, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but he never anticipated for Rogers to come out like a bat out of hell. straight rushing him with shots. in 90% of the fights that i’ve seen pros dont just rush like that. and it caught him off guard.

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AA is money right now.

for all intents and purposes, just consider all my posts as works of satire.

by Bandaka on Sep 10, 2009 1:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Go to Strikeforce and string a couple of wins then call out Fedro, Pitbull.

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."

by xFenixKnightx on Sep 10, 2009 1:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Andrei Arlovski vs. Fedro Emeliansanchez

by CSKit on Sep 10, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Orale! Now thas what Im talkin about holmes!

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."

by xFenixKnightx on Sep 10, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Arlovski and Showtime/Strikeforce have a history and deal. Arlovski should be back in Strikeforce and wants to avenge his losses against Fedor and Rogers. If Sylvia wins and looks good, he may also have a chance at signing with Strikeforce. Imagine fights between Overeem, Arlovski, and Rogers. Fireworks! =)

The UFC will not sign Arlovski or Sylvia because they got tooled by Fedor. If either went to the UFC and beat Brock, it wouldn’t look too great for them.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Sep 10, 2009 1:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think they’d have to worry about it – they wouldn’t give them title shot just to be safe. Which is also why I doubt Nog or Mirko (if he can keep winning) should expect title shots anytime soon. The risk is too great for the UFC.

by nottheface on Sep 10, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

100% agreed, if Nog wins Brock then it automatically makes Fedor # 1…(which he is already)

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here is the thing though, if they win and get no title shot, they would be beating title contenders like Cain and Carwin, which would screw them up as well. Their best scenario is that they would lose to young HW’s to give them cred, but that is a HUGE risk and quite unlikely.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Sep 10, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Their best scenario is that they would lose to young HW’s to give them cred, but that is a HUGE risk and quite unlikely

Tell that to Brett Rogers.

Or in Tim’s case, 50 yr old boxers….

'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko

by Well Read Idiot on Sep 11, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Losing to Fedor wasn’t an issue for the UFC signing Nog or Cro Cop (or Coleman for that matter). They won’t sign Tim or AA because they just don’t need them right now.

by who me on Sep 10, 2009 3:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Well, you have to take into account that Sylvia lost to Mercer and Arlovski lost to Rogers as well. =)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Sep 10, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also…

1) Zuffa owns the rights to those fights, so other promotions can’t use them.
2) Arlovski and Sylvia both rumored to have signed EA Sports MMA deals.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Sep 10, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

MMASuPreMaCy you dont think CRO COP or NOG can beat Cain? or Carwin? IMO they sure have a big chance specially to beat Cain.

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely, I do.

Either way, those fights happened so long ago with Fedor, not to mention that the UFC owns the footage after buying PRIDE, that the other orgs wouldn’t be able to use them as promotional content.

On the other hand, Showtime can show Fedor knocking out Arlovski a million times. Anyone can show Mercer KO’ing Sylvia, and most are still aware that Fedor just wrecked both. =)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Sep 10, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Arlovski and Sylvia do sign on with Strikeforce

Thats a pretty good HW division with AA, Sylvia, Fedor, Overeem, Werdum, and Rogers

by xbuckeyex05 on Sep 10, 2009 2:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the guy we’ll be talking about a year from now is Daniel Cormier

by nottheface on Sep 10, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2 time olimpian

he might be a force to reckon with. if he gets the right training camp.

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s with American Kickboxing Academy

by nottheface on Sep 10, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that’s a very good camp, i also heard that SF is trying to get him.

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He just signed an 8 fight contract with Strikeforce. He makes his debut on the next Challengers card.

by nottheface on Sep 10, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thats great SF needs some top competition for their HW. its odd that they signed him for 8 fight. its gonna be his pro debut …right?

by 1WAYtiket on Sep 10, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes. It will be his debut.

And by the way, what’s with this comment:

if its a penny yall like the jews…

you left it here:
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/9/9/1022779/strikeforce-should-directly

by nottheface on Sep 11, 2009 2:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He is signed to SF and is fighting on their next “Challengers” series. He could be very good as with all great wrestlers he better learn some submission defense

by xbuckeyex05 on Sep 10, 2009 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

"Some guy on Internet said I played Russian roulette because I was depressed about losing," Arlovski said. "Let’s get real here, guys. I didn’t play Russian roulette because I was depressed that I lost to Brett Rogers. I wasn’t depressed. I was just in a bad mood."

Oh, well I’m glad you set the record straight on that one, Andrei. You were in a bad mood so you tried to kill yourself. That makes everything okay and quells everyone’s concerns.