Fedor Emelianenko vs Antonio Silva
As Bas Rutten said on Inside MMA, this is not an easy fight for Fedor and I agree. However, Mike Kyle was 1 clean punch away from finishing off Silva in their recent fight. Fedor will not likely make the same mistake. I lean towards Fedor here, but Silva will be handful just in the size department alone. I don’t think it will be easy, but Fedor will catch Silva because his head is a large target and Fedor has pinpoint accuracy.
Andrei Arlovski vs Sergei Kharitonov
Arlovski is the faster more technical striker. In fact much more. Kharitonov is the russian bear and swings like it. He swings tight inside hooks and if he connects its trouble for Arlovski who has had trouble against heavy big punchers such as Tim Sylvia, Brett Rogers, and Fedor Emelianenko. If Arlovski can execute the gameplan he probably wanted to do against Brett Rogers he should be able to beat Kharitonov easily.
The Reserve Bouts
Shane Del Rosario vs Lavar Johnson
Could be the best fight of the night. I’m leaning towards Lavar, but Del Rosario is clearly the more talented fighter. I just have this feeling the toughness and power of Johnson will get him the victory.
Chad Griggs vs Gianpiero Villante
Chad Griggs.
Valentijn Overeem vs Ray Sefo
Ray Sefo. Overeem is coming off a monster layoff.