Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight hitters Andrei Arlovski and Shamil Abdurakhimov will battle this Saturday (Sept. 15, 2018) at UFC Fight Night 136 inside Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Moscow, Russia.
It’s crazy to say, but Andrei Arlovski could very easily be on a three-fight win streak in 2018 if not for the judges going against him last time out in a close decision. Questionable loss or not, Arlovski has rebounded from his awful quintet of violent losses extraordinarily well and proven himself a valuable member of the Heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Abdurakhimov is an under-appreciated talent himself. The big Russian has won three of his previous four contests, showing both well-rounded skills and some solid conditioning in the process even if he hasn’t been electrifying fight fans.
Let’s take a closer look at the keys to victory for each man:
Andrei Arlovski
Record: 28-16 (1)
Key Wins: Travis Browne (UFC 187), Junior Albini (UFC Fight Night 120), Frank Mir (UFC 191), Antonio Silva (UFC Fight Night 51), Fabricio Werdum (UFC 70)
Key Losses: Stipe Miocic (UFC 195), Alistair Overeem (UFC Fight Night 87), Francis Ngannou (UFC on FOX 23), Marcin Tybura (UFC Fight Night 111)
Keys to Victory: For years, Arlovski destroyed most opponents with blistering speed and a thundering right hand, relying on little else. Now that his hands are a touch slower and less deadly — though make no mistake, absorbing Arlovski’s right is still no picnic — the Belarusian is finally relying on the other parts of his game.
Active kicking, combinations, and even takedowns have all played a major part in Arlovski’s recent success.
Against Abdurakhimov, Arlovski is facing a different challenge than the usual Heavyweight trying to rush forward and blast him. Abdurakhimov is a smart fighter, one who has always relied on a mix of takedowns, kicks, and counters to either outpoint or knockout opponents. Aside from utilizing all his weapons, Arlovski’s big advantage in this match up is speed. He’s the faster fighter even though he’s nearly 40, and that quickness should help him dictate the fight. If Arlovski can begin the fight with some fast jabs and establish his own range and timing first, it will go a long way in keeping him a step ahead of “Abrek.”
Shamil Abdurakhimov
Record: 18-4
Key Wins: Chase Sherman (UFC Fight Night 122), Anthony Hamilton (UFC Fight Night 83), Walt Harris (UFC Fight Night 96)
Key Losses: Derrick Lewis (UFC Fight Night 102), Timothy Johnson (UFC Fight Night 63)
Keys to Victory: An International Master of Sports in kickboxing, Abdurakhimov is a solid technical kickboxer who doesn’t rely exclusively on punching power. In addition, Abdurakhimov nearly tops out the Heavyweight limit, size which has proven a valuable asset in wrestling exchanges.
As mentioned, Arlovski’s speed advantage is a definite threat to Abdurakhimov’s success. Luckily, speed can definitely be nullified if Abdurakhimov follows a smart game plan and make Arlovski come to him. At range, Abdurakhimov does a surprisingly good job of controlling distance. Against Walt Harris, for example, the Dagestani athlete kept the the seriously fast prospect away with hard low kicks and counters, giving Harris few opportunities to let that athleticism fly.
A similar gameplan is necessary opposite Arlovski, who despite his speed, can become predictable in looking for the big right hand. If Abdurakhimov can out-work Arlovski from range, he has a very good chance to time Arlovski moving forward either with counter punches or takedowns.
Bottom Line: It’s likely to be a technical contest of Heavyweight veterans, which means it could end in an instant or get real ugly.
Arlovski’s career is unbelievable. Multiple career renaissances in a division that is perhaps the most physically punishing is shocking, Arlovski is finally making the most of his diverse skill set. At this point, UFC has shown its faith in Arlovski by giving him many chances to come back after losing, so there’s not a ton on the line for Arlovski. The Top 10 is largely out of his reach, but Arlovski’s consistent activity makes him a valuable commodity at Heavyweight win or lose.
As for Abdurakhimov, the pressure is on. This is the biggest name opponent he’s faced yet, and the bout takes place in his home country. In short, it’s a major opportunity for “Abrek,” who is currently ranked but looking to climb the ladder rather than maintain position. A win should create further opportunity to advance, whereas a loss pushes him into a gatekeeper role similar to his opponent.
At UFC Fight Night 136, Andrei Arlovski and Shamil Abdurakhimov will throw down. Which Heavyweight will score another victory?