UFC 174 was a let down, and that could very well be an understatement.
The undercard of the event never looked stellar, but it did exceed its expectations and included three finishes.
Jason Saggo TKO’d Josh Shockley on the UFC Fight Pass prelimina…
UFC 174 was a let down, and that could very well be an understatement.
The undercard of the event never looked stellar, but it did exceed its expectations and included three finishes.
Jason SaggoTKO’d Josh Shockley on the UFC Fight Pass preliminary card, TaeHyun Bang stopped Kajan Johnson in the opening FX preliminary bout and KiichiKunimoto capped off the prelims with an upset submission over Daniel Sarafian.
However, folks had already turned their attention to a main card that looked like it could deliver on paper.
Ovince St. Preux vs. Ryan Jimmo would set the winner on the path towards a top 10 fight in the light heavyweight division. A lot was at stake, but an injury marred the bout. Jimmo broke his arm at some point and was forced to verbally submit.
Next on the docket was the return of Andrei Arlovski to the UFC. He would take on Brendan Schaub in a sure-fire thrill ride in the heavyweight division.
False.
Arlovski and Schaub failed to deliver much action at all. It was a painful 15 minutes.
Schaub was looking for one specific combination to end the fight, and that made it easy for Arlovski to avoid. The former UFC champion was not very active in the bout at all. It was a tentative bout with low output. A disappointment to say the least.
Ryan Bader and Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante was up next. Another high-stakes light heavyweight tilt—another disappointment.
Bader looked very good. He executed a game plan that ensured him a victory. Feijao‘s ineptitude during the fight brought down the excitement, and Bader‘s inability to do much damage was equally as draining for the fans. It was just another 15 minutes of waiting for something special to happen.
Surely the co-main event would deliver? Partially.
Rory MacDonald was the fan-favorite. The hometown kid put on one of his best career performances. However, he failed to truly hurt Woodley and put a stamp on the performance. Instead, it was 15 minutes of domination. After the first five, we got the gist of the fight.
Watching MacDonald was entertaining, but the fight itself was not due to how one-sided it was.
The same can be said for the main event between Demetrious Johnson and Ali Bagautinov.
The fans in the arena were heading for the doors after the fourth round. It looked like Miami Heat fans heading for the exit during a blowout. Everyone knew Johnson had it in the bag, and no one expected a finish at this point. There wasn’t any reason to stick to the edge of your seat. It was time to beat the traffic.
UFC 174 ended without much to talk about. No one put themselves on the map.
UFC President Dana White did not even show up at the post-fight press conference. It was that kind of night. Everyone was frustrated by how the event came off.
We cannot expect every single event to be a winner, but even with the lackluster offerings we hope to come away feeling we spent our time well. UFC 174 was not time well spent. The winners were fans who couldn’t catch the show and had to read the results. They saved time.
UFC 174 was forgettable. Now that it is over, we will all turn our attention towards bigger fights down the pipeline and hope that future UFC events provide us with a better slate of action.
Brendan Schaub and Andrei Arlovski met at UFC 164 in a pivotal bout for their careers. Each man sought a victory to make a run up the heavyweight rankings, and a loss would have been detrimental to their hopes.
The fight did not get off to a great star…
Brendan Schaub and Andrei Arlovski met at UFC 164 in a pivotal bout for their careers. Each man sought a victory to make a run up the heavyweight rankings, and a loss would have been detrimental to their hopes.
The fight did not get off to a great start. The two heavy-handed strikers were hesitant on the feet. A good portion of the action was spent stalling in the clinch. Schaub was telegraphing his one combination, and Arlovski was not offering any more than one punch in return.
Schaub got a takedown in the third round and spent a lot of time throwing errant shots at Arlovski. It took awhile, but Arlovski was finally able to get back to his feet. Unfortunately, he was unable to do anything once there.
All three rounds were close, but they were only close because both men failed to do anything to warrant a clear-cut win.
Arlovski picked up a split-decision victory.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
Nothing. It was terrible.
What We Learned About Schaub
Schaub wanted the knockout, but he wanted it with the same telegraphed combination. Other than that, he played it safe. Too safe. Following the fight, his jaw was very swollen.
If there is a plus, he didn’t get knocked out.
What We Learned About Arlovski
Perhaps it was nerves, but perhaps it was not. We learned Arlovski needs to rediscover his aggressiveness. He was very passive in this fight. When he had a good position in the clinch, he chose to rest instead of improve.
If there is a plus, he didn’t get knocked out.
What’s Next for Schaub
The decision could have gone either way, so a loss shouldn’t hurt him too badly. The UFC could put him against the winner of the Soa Palelei vs. Jared Rosholt contest later this month.
What’s Next for Arlovski
Well, as unimpressive as it was, he won. Looking down the pipe, he has limited options. He didn’t show anything in the cage that was worthy of a Top 10-level fight, and many heavyweights are booked or injured.
UFC 175 features the return of No. 12-ranked contender Stefan Struve against Matt Mitrione. Arlovski could fight the winner of that battle. It’s about the only fight that makes any sense, unless an injury occurs to an already scheduled fight.
Handling the liveblog for the UFC 174 main card is our own returning champion, Barry “Bear” Siragusa, who will be sticking round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, follow us on twitter for additional commentary, and remember to send us your immediate Snapchat reactions for a chance to win some Topps UFC Knockout trading cards. Thanks for coming.
(“Dear God, please guide my hands in this fight, and protect me from this American baldness disease.” / Photo via MMAJunkie)
Handling the liveblog for the UFC 174 main card is our own returning champion, Barry “Bear” Siragusa, who will be sticking round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, follow us on twitter for additional commentary, and remember to send us your immediate Snapchat reactions for a chance to win some Topps UFC Knockout trading cards. Thanks for coming.
UFC 174 Preliminary Card Results
– Kiichi Kunimoto def. Daniel Sarafian via. Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:52 of round 1.
– Valerie Letourneau def. Elizabeth Phillips via. split decision (29-28 Letourneau x 2, 29-28 Phillips)
– Yves Jabouin def. Mike Easton via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Tae Hyun Bang def. Kajan Johnson via. KO (punch) at 2:01 of round 3
– Michinori Tanaka def. Roland Delorme via unanimous decision. (30-27 x 3)
– Jason Saggo def. Josh Shockley via. TKO (punches) at 4:57 of Round 1.
Please stand by…
Hey there Folks. Glad to be back in the saddle.
For those of you who are following UFC 174 and not watching the World Cup, I welcome you. For those of you who are here following UFC 174 WHILE watching the the World Cup, it’s time to turn it off and get your UFC on. Jamie Varner broke his ankle at UFC 173 and then the doctor stepped on it (!) and you didn’t see him screaming and rolling around… Just sayin’.
We have some big fights happening this evening. The Flyweight Belt is up for grabs. The winner of MacDonald vs. Woodley gets a title shot (Probably. Maybe. No, probably not), and “The PitBull” Andrei Arlovski is back in his cage. Stay tuned, this should be a good one.
First up:
Ryan Jimmo vs. Ovince St. Preux
Ryan Jimmo (19-3 MMA) Fought on Season 8 of TUF.
Ovince St. Preux (15-5 MMA) Former Strikeforce competitor.
Round 1:
St. Preux with the 7 inch reach advantage. They touch gloves. Leg kick by Jimmo. Body kick by St. Preux. Big left by St. Preux. Jimmo is moving forward. St. Preux connects with a left. They clinch against the fence. Jimmo looking for the take down from the clinch against the fence. St. Preux gets the reversal against the fence. They break. Jimmo is bleeding from his nose. Head kick attempt by St. Preux. Jimmo answers with a high body kick. Leg kick from St. Preux. Inside leg kick from Jimmo. Body kick by Jimmo. St. Preux is really reaching with the jab. Nice left hand by St. Preux. St. Preux goes for the takedown and gets it against the fence just in time for the bell
Round 2:
Opens with a big right from Jimmo. Jimmo’s corner thinks St. Preux is getting tired. Jimmo attempts a body kick, caught by St. Preux who gets the takedown and gets full mount. St. Preux transitions to Jimmo’s back, St. Preux attempting a rear naked choke. Jimmo defending. St. Preux only has one hook. Jimmo taking some hammer fists to the head. St. Preux goes for a kimura. WOW! Jimmo says his arm is broken and the ref calls it.
Ovince St. Preux def. Ryan Jimmo via. verbal submission (Kimura) at 2:10 of round 2.
Up next…
Andrei Arlovski vs. Brendan Schaub
Andrei Arlovski (21-10-1 MMA) Arlovski is making his return to the octagon after a six year absence. Arlovski is the former UFC Heavyweight Champ and former UFC interim Light Heavyweight Champ. At 35 years of age, Arlovski is hoping to make one more run at the UFC belt before retiring. He is the only man to knock out Roy Nelson.
Brendan Schaub (10-3 MMA) Made the finals of TUF season 10 where he lost to Roy Nelson. Schaub won his last fight against Matt Mitrione via d’arce choke. The only fighter in UFC history to finish with that choke.
Round 1:
Slight reach advantage for Schaub. Big John and Andrei in the cage together again…Heeeere we go. They touch gloves. They feel each other out. Andrei with the flurry and the clinch. Pins Schaub up against the fence and throws a few knees. Schaub spins out, throws a right and a left. Arlovski answers with an outside leg kick. They clinch and Arlovski pins Schaub against the fence and starts throwing knees. Big John tells them to get to work. Schaub pushes Arlovski off and they move to the middle of the octagon. Big overhand right from Schaub that just misses. Big swing and a miss from Arlovski. They clinch briefly. Schaub spins away. A big overhand from Schaub, Arlovski ducks underneath and clinches against the fence. Big spinning back kick from Arlovski to end the round.
Round 2:
They meet in the middle. Arlovski kicks Schaub in the groin. Schaub takes a minute but is back in business quickly. Arlovski clips Schaub with a left hook. Nothing huge, but opens Schaub up with a cut near his left eye. They clinch against the cage and Arlovski takes a break. They break and meet in the middle of the cage. They trade a few quick jabs. A headkick attempt by Schaub. Headkick attempt by Arlovski. Schaub fakes low and throws a overhand right that misses. Arlovski is watching for it. They clinch and now Schaub has Arlovski pinned against the cage. Schaub gets the take down but Arlovski get right back up. They break and meet in the middle. Schaub swinging for the fences but missing. Schaub connects with a left jab. Andrei shrugs it off. BIG uppercut from Schaub that rings Arlovski’s bell. A big swing and a miss from Schaub, answered by a big overhand from Arlovski to end the round.
Round 3:
Schaub opens the round with a swing and a miss overhand right. Another big overhand right from Schaub. Arlovski catches Schaub with a jab as he comes in. Big John warns them about headbutting. They clinch and Schaub gets the take down. Schaub works in Arlovski’s guard with punches and endows to the body. Arlovski answers with some elbows from the bottom. Hammer fists from Schaub. Schaub is making no attempt to transition to half guard. Arlovski keeps Schaub busy defending punches from the bottom. Schaub with some nasty hammerfists. Arlovski bucks Schaub off and regains his feet. They clinch and Arlovski pushes Schaub against the fence. Schaub escapes and they meet in the middle. They trade shots and there is the buzzer. Schaubs mouth and face has suddenly swelled up.
Arlovski says in his interview with Rogan that he was nervous and asks the crowd not to boo him.
Ryan Bader (16-4 MMA) Currently the #10 Light Heavyweight. Winner of Season 8 of TUF (Team Nog). His first loss was to fellow (at the time) up and comer Jon Jones. 3 of his four losses have been to former or future Light Heavyweight Champs (Jon Jones, Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz). His fourth loss was to Glover Teixeira.
Rafael Cavalcante (12-4-1) Former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champ. Studied veterinary medicine before being recruited by Big Nog. Lost his Strikeforce Belt to Dan Henderson. This will be his third fight in the UFC.
Round 1:
No reach advantage for either fighter. They touch gloves. Cavalcante with an inside leg kick to start things off. Bader with a head kick attempt. A quick jab by Bader, followed by a running takedown of Cavalcante. Bader has his back standing, lifts Cavalcante up and gets the takedown but Cavalcante is up quickly with Bader still glued to his back punishing his thighs with knees. Really brutal knees to Cavalcante’s legs. Bader is destroying that leg. Cavalcante is up. They break and meet in the middle. HUGE haymaker attempt by Cavalcante which misses. Bader responds with a looping right hand. Cavalcante connects with a small right. They both catch each other with a jab. Bader gets a big takedown. They grappls at the fence as Bader slowly gets Cavalcante’s back. Cavalcante is absorbing a lot of punishment from the Bader. Some nasty body shots from Bader. HUGE knee too the body of Cavalcante at the buzzer.
Round 2:
Spinning back kick from cavalcante to start things off. Answered by a head kick attempt from Bader. They clinch and Bader pushes Cavalcante up against the fence. They break and Cavalcante moves forward while Bader waits for his opportunity, and there he gets the takedown. Nasty Elbow in Cavalcante’s face and Bader gets his back. Bader starts landing some nasty knee’s to Cavalcante’s butt and thighs. Cavalcante gains his feet, attempts another haymaker. There is a lot of movement from Bader. Another Haymaker attempt by Cavalcante. Bader darts in and peppers Cavalcante with punches. Cavalcante connects with a right. Connects with another right. Bader shakes it off and answers with a body shot and a takedown. Bader is on top and starts abusing the side of Cavalcante’s body. There goes the buzzer.
Round 3:
A big right from Cavalcante and a left that rung Bader’s bell. He connects with several looping hooks that hurt Bader, and gets the takedown. Cavalcante is on top, Bader goes for a leg and tries to reverse. Cavalcante hits Bader with some big elbows to the head. They break and Bader slips, Cavalcante follows him but can’t finish. They clinch against the fence. Nothing happens. The ref. breaks them apart and restarts them. Bader gets a takedown. He is on top abusing Cavalcante’s ribs with punches and dropping some big elbows on the ribcage. Cavalcante is not responding. Bader is inside Cavalcante’s guard, raining down elbows and punches to the body. Cavalcante has no answer for Bader. Cavalcante throws a few elbows, but Bader is connecting with everything. That’s it. It’s over.
Dominant performance by Ryan Bader. “If he loses this decision, They should burn this place down”- Joe Rogan
Ryan Bader def. Rafael Cavalcante via. unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
Next up…
Tyrone Woodley vs. Rory MacDonald
Rory MacDonald (16-2 MMA) The Canadian born fighter is the former King of the Cage Lightweight Champ. MacDonald trains together with Georges St-Pierre at Tristar Gym. His only two losses were to Carlos Condit and Robbie Lawler. MacDonald is currently the #2 ranked Welterweight.
Tyron Woodley (13-2 MMA) Former Strikeforce fighter. Woodley’s only two losses came from Nate Marquart and Jake Shields. Of his thirteen wins, four have come via knockout, five via submission and four via decision. Woodley is often criticized for being too muscular, which some critics (looking at you Dana White) saying that he will gas out if brought into championship rounds.
Round 1:
Slight reach advantage for Rory.
Rory with a front kick early. A quick jab, Woodley with and overhand right. They clinch. Woodley with some knee’s to the body. Woodley pushes Rory up against the fence and starts punishing his legs with knees and foot stomps. Some big knee’s from Woodley. I don’t know how many of those Rory can take. Rory gets out and Rory connects with a question mark kick. Woodley responods with a attempted headkick. They trade head kick attempts. A big kick to the body of Woodley. Rory connecting with some big kicks. Woodley goes for the take down and absorbs a knee on the way in. They are clinched at the fence. Woodley connects with some punches to the face from the clinch. They seperate and Rory connects with a kick to the body. Woodley gets a takedown. Rory gets up and connects with a kick to the body and a short jab. Backs Woodley up against the fence and connects with some jabs and front kicks. Woodley seems unfazed. They square off and the buzzer sounds.
Round 2:
Rory with a few jabs. Woodley responds with an overhead right. Superman punch and an Ax kick from Rory. Rory goes for the takedown but is unsuccessful. Woodley connects with a solid leg kick. Rory has Woodley backed up against the fence. Peppering him with kicks. Woodley connects with a HARD leg kick. Rory connects with a body shot. Woodley attempts two right hand’s. Misses with bith. Rory with a quick flurry. Rory with a body kick. Woodley answers with some big punches. All misses. Rory pushes Woodley against the fence. Just constant pressure from Rory. Woodley connects with a brutal leg kick. Rory is just absorbing them. Rory connects with an body/head combo. Headkick from Rory. Woodley connects with a small jab. Rory with a right hand. Left jab and right overhand from Rory. Woodley is looking really uncomfortable. Rory catches two jabs in the face right before the buzzer.
Round 3:
Woodley tee’s off and flurries. Rory backs up and almost trips. Rory takes control of the center of the ring. Rory connects with a left jab. Woodley looks to be slowing down. Rory connects with a body kick. Woodley answers with a kick, but Rory brushes it aside and hits Woodley with a spinning back kick. Woodley acts like it hit his groin but Big John waves him off. Rory goes for and gets the takedown. Woodley has stuffed 32 of the last 34 takedown attempts. Woodley has control of Rory’s wrists. Woodley still hanging on. Big John will stand them up if nothing happens soon. Rory stands up and Woodley attacks with the up-kick from his back. Rory is looking for the opening, and connects with an elbow. Rory gets full mount but Woodley shrugs him off to side mount. Woodley starts absorbing big shots to his head. Rory is just teeing off from side guard, pounding Woodley’s face. There is the buzzer. Huge statement by Rory MacDonald. I never thought I would see Tyron Woodley absolutely dominated like that. Wow.
Demetrious Johnson (19-2-1 MMA) The current (and until now only) Flyweight Champ. This will be his fourth title defense. Johnson moved down to Flyweight and won the four man Flyweight tournament after losing a unanimous decision to Dominick Cruz in a fight for the Bantamweight Belt. His only other loss was a UD loss to Brad Pickett
Ali Bagautinov (13-2 MMA) is a Dagestani born Russian fighter and former Fight Nights Flyweight Champ. He is currently ranked as the #4 Flyweight. He has a background in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, as well as Russian Sambo. Bagautinov is a 2x Combat Sambo World Champion. He is currently on an 11 fight win streak.
Round 1:
They touch gloves. Johnson with an inside leg kick to get us started. Ali with very low hands and very flat feet. A few quick kicks from Johnson and Ali. Outside leg kick from Johnson, answered by Ali with a left right combo and a big kick to the body. A few big left right combos that miss from Ali. Outside leg kick from Johnson. Inside leg kick from Johnson. A lot of feinting happening here. Ali reaches and clips Johnson. They clinch, some knees from Ali, he has Johnson pushed up against the cage. Johnson has Ali’s neck in a Muay Thai clinch and throws a knee. Ali catches the knee and holds it. Ali lets it go and catches another leg and holds it. Ali trying for the takedown. Some big knees and punches from Ali, answered by a knee from Johnson. Johnson lands some hard knees to the body. Ali gets a takedown but Johnson bounces right back up for the buzzer.
Round 2:
Johnson switches to orthodox. Johnson connects with an inside leg kick followed quickly by an outside leg kick. Johnson goes for the takedown and they clinch. Johnson connects with some knees. Ali reverses and throws some punches which miss. Ali checks a leg kick from Johnson. Johnson backs him up and connect with an outside leg kick and a high head kick. Ali responds with some big punches thrown at nothing but the air where Johnson was a second ago. Johnson connects with another leg kick combo. Another inside leg kick from Johnson. Johnson connects with a big punch. Ali connects with a head kick, but Johnson shrugs it off. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the fence and starts connecting with knees to the body. Johnson answers with some knees of his own. Some big knees from Ali, but Johnson is dodging most of them. Ali with a takedown attempt. Johnson stuffs the attempt and punishes Ali with elbows to the head. They are still clinched and exchanging knees. They grapple and whip eachother around. There’s the buzzer.
Round 3:
Johnson with leg kicks to open the round. A swing and a miss for Ali answered by another leg kick. Leg kick. Straight kick from Johnson. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the fence. They start trading knees. Big knee to Ali’s ribs. Ali connects with a knee to the midsection. Johnson gets double underhooks but lets it go. Big body kick from Johnson. Ali kicks back. Ali tries for a head kick. Johnson darts in with some punches and some high/low head movement. Ali looks confused. Johnson looks fresh, Ali is breathing hard. Tries for a head kick. Ali gets Johnsons back and suplex! Johnson is right back up on his feet. Amazing… They clinch but quickly break apart. Leg kick from Johnson. Ali goes for a takedown and gets a knee. Takedown attempt quickly reversed by Johnson. Some knees and elbows from Johnson to end the round.
Round 4: Championship rounds.
Starts again with leg kicks from the champ. He is landing more and more of those kicks. Outside leg kick from Johnson. Johnson goes for a takedown but Ali stuffs the attempt. Inside leg kick from Johnson. Ali’s hands are really low. Johnson connects with a right hand jab followed by a left hand jab. Huge right hand from Ali but it find nothing but air. NASTY leg kicks from Johnson. A nice body kick from Ali. A lot of movement but nithing happening. Johnson slips and Ali moves in but Johnson is up and out of range quickly. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the cage Some big knees to the midsection of Johnson. Johnson defends well. A over and around knee to Ali’s head. Johnson gets the reversal but Ali reverses again. Johnson gets Ali’s back and starts working for a RNC but the buzzer sounds. Ali is saved by the bell
Round 5: Final Round.
Ali motions to the crowd. Johnson and Ali embrace in the middle. Ali throws a big haymaker but misses. Johnson with a jab, finding his range. Connects with a short right jab. Johnson with the clinch and some hard knee’s to the head and midsection of Ali. Ali has Johnson’s leg, but loses it. They clinch against the cage and Ali starts throwing knees. Johnson pushes him back and answers with his own knees. Johnson reverses and starts throwing punches. Ali reverses again. Johnson yells out in pain as Ali pushes hard down on him. Johnson throws knees but is now only throwing with his left leg. Johnson tags Ali with a kick and attempts a spinning back kick to the head. Ali ducks under and goes for the takedown. Johnson tuffs the attempt. Johnson attacks with a head kick. They grapple at the cage, they clinch and Ali goes to work on Johnson’s midsection. Johnson answers with some knees. Ali’s sides and ribs are bruised and red. He has absorbed a lot of punishment. There is the buzzer it’s over.
Demetrious Johnson def. Ali Bagautinov via. unanimous decision (50-45)
That does it for me folks. It has been a a pleasure.
Throwback Thursday is a new recurring column that pays tribute to the stars of an upcoming UFC event by taking a look back at some of their greatest defining moments. This week, we recollect Andrei Arlovski vs. Roy Nelson ahead of the former’s clash with Brendan Schaub this Saturday.
UFC 174: Dagestani Revolution marks the glorious (and somewhat unexpected) promotional return of former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. I could literally not be more excited. Also nervous, but mostly excited.
I imagine that I’m not alone in this feeling, as Arlovski has become one of those fighters who it seems harder and harder to root against these days. He’s seen somedecent highs and the lowest of lows in the six years since we last saw him stomp out Jake O’Brien at UFC 82. I bet you thought I was going to link to the Fedor knockout in the “lowest of lows”, didn’t you? The Brett Rogers one, maybe? My hyperlink-based wit will not be contained.
But oh yes, Arlovski. Scheduled to face Brendan Schaub in a featured bout this weekend, Arlovksi is once again having to defend the absurd notion that he lacks a chin, because if Court McGee’s heroin overdose has taught us anything, it’s that most MMA journalists are unoriginal hacks content to repeat the same tired cliches and dusty anecdotes ad nauseum until they are eroded of all meaning. Stand and bang, you guys. Stand and bang.
Regardless, if Arlvoski fighting Anthony Johnson for two rounds with a broken jaw didn’t convince you that he does in fact have a chin at the end of his face, then perhaps we should go back a bit further…to the night when Arlovski traded hands with Roy Nelson and came out the conscious one, blowing everyone’s minds through the back of their goddamn cornholes in the process.
Throwback Thursday is a new recurring column that pays tribute to the stars of an upcoming UFC event by taking a look back at some of their greatest defining moments. This week, we recollect Andrei Arlovski vs. Roy Nelson ahead of the former’s clash with Brendan Schaub this Saturday.
UFC 174: Dagestani Revolution marks the glorious (and somewhat unexpected) promotional return of former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. I could literally not be more excited. Also nervous, but mostly excited.
I imagine that I’m not alone in this feeling, as Arlovski has become one of those fighters who it seems harder and harder to root against these days. He’s seen somedecent highs and the lowest of lows in the six years since we last saw him stomp out Jake O’Brien at UFC 82. I bet you thought I was going to link to the Fedor knockout in the “lowest of lows”, didn’t you? The Brett Rogers one, maybe? My hyperlink-based wit will not be contained.
But oh yes, Arlovski. Scheduled to face Brendan Schaub in a featured bout this weekend, Arlovksi is once again having to defend the absurd notion that he lacks a chin, because if Court McGee’s heroin overdose has taught us anything, it’s that most MMA journalists are unoriginal hacks content to repeat the same tired cliches and dusty anecdotes ad nauseum until they are eroded of all meaning. Stand and bang, you guys. Stand and bang.
Regardless, if Arlvoski fighting Anthony Johnson for two rounds with a broken jaw didn’t convince you that he does in fact have a chin at the end of his face, then perhaps we should go back a bit further…to the night when Arlovski traded hands with Roy Nelson and came out the conscious one, blowing everyone’s minds through the back of their goddamn cornholes in the process.
It was October 4th, 2008, a night that will forever live in MMA infamy as “That Time Seth Petruzelli Killed EliteXC.” Gina Carano had defeated Kelly Kobold via unanimous decision earlier in the evening, and in just his second match following an 8-year UFC run, Arlovski was paired against former/final IFL heavyweight champion and future subject of the Norwegian documentary Trollhunter, Roy Nelson.
Fresh off a first round knockout of TUF 2 finalist Brad Imes in his second IFL title defense, Nelson was riding a big wave of confidence into his bout with the former champion, and it showed early. For the first half of the round, Nelson thoroughly controlled Arlovski on the ground, passing his guard multiple times and cycling between armlocks while on top. This of course came to a screeching halt when referee Iam DumAss stood the two up at the midway point of the round with Nelson in side control. Classic DumAss.
Arlovski’s speed advantage in the standup department was evident, however, as “the Pit Bull” (not to be confused with this “Pitbull” or that “Pitbull”. Or that one.) was able to take advantage of the controversial stand up and unleash a brief flurry that like won him the round according to the Diego Sanchez Principle of Come At Me Bro.
Since we’re taking a little stroll down memory lane, does anyone remember when Tito Ortiz used to have hair like this? Because EliteXC remembers…
Looks like someone finally got around to renting The Jackal and loooovvedd itttt!!
The second round would see Nelson rock Arlovski early with a left hook, then shoot for a takedown that resulted in a minute of stalling against the fence. I’ll never understand why some fighters opt for this strategy when they’ve got their opponent on wobbly legs, but hey, that’s why I smash keys, not knees for a living (Obama3pointer.gif). In any case, Arlovski would eventually wiggle free and unleash an absolute clinic of knees, uppercuts, and hooks that even Nelson’s mighty beard could not withstand. In a blink, Arlovski accomplished a feat that no man could do before or has done since.
To be fair, Arlovski’s beatdown of Nelson at EliteXC: Heat came just prior to the rash of KO losses that nearly ended with him dining on a bullet, and Nelson had not yet truly earned his granite chin status via legendary beatdowns at the hands of Junior Dos Santos, Fabricio Werdum, and Stipe Miocic. But looking back, who in their right minds would have thought that Arlovski would become the only man to ever stop Nelson inside the distance? Put your goddamn hands down, liars.
Currently a slight underdog against Schaub — who has something of a notorious chin in his own right (where is the roof on this hyperlink gag!) — Arlovski has nothing left to prove and has stated as much. But if he can stay away from the right hand of Schaub long enough to land some leather of his own, there’s a good chance that the former champion will finish things in the same fashion he did against Nelson on the humid Florida night so many, many years ago… (*sips brandy and stares out window*)
Brendan Schaub has been asking for a big fight, and it looks like he finally got one.
The surging heavyweight will welcome former champion Andrei Arlovski back to the Octagon when the two men square off at UFC 174 on June 24 in Vancouver, British Colum…
Brendan Schaub has been asking for a big fight, and it looks like he finally got one.
The surging heavyweight will welcome former champion Andrei Arlovski back to the Octagon when the two men square off at UFC 174 on June 24 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The bout was announced this week by UFC President Dana White via Twitter and will mark the first time in six years “The Pitbull” will compete under the UFC banner.
The former NFL player turned mixed martial artist has been on a roll as of late and has been actively pursuing an opponent with a big name for his next challenge. Yet, despite his efforts to land a bout with knockout artist Mark Hunt, a fight with the “Super Samoan” never materialized, and Schaub was left to play the waiting game. Now, with the fight against Arlovski made official, “The Hybrid” will be looking to further the momentum he built with impressive performances in his two most recent showings.
The Los Angeles transplant has defeated Lavar Johnson and Matt Mitrione respectively and shown the continued progress of his grappling skills in the process. He will be looking to continue his climb when he steps in against Arlovski—a fighter who has proven to be as versatile as they come in the heavyweight ranks.
The Colorado native recently spoke to MMA media staple Rick Lee at the Reign Training Facility and Schaub talked about what landing a bout with a storied veteran like Arlovski means to him.
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
Though Arlovski endured a rough patch in 2009-2011 where he lost four consecutive fights — marked by knockout losses to Fedor Emelianenko, Brett Rogers, and Sergei Kharitonov — the “Pitbull” actually ended his first UFC stint on a three-fight win streak, including a decision victory against current heavyweight title contender Fabricio Werdum and TKO’s of Marcio Cruz and Jake O’Brien. His departure was contract-related (and immediately profitable), and since then, Dana White has always been highly complimentary of Arlovski as a fighter and as a person, even while criticizing his career choices.
Though Arlovski endured a rough patch in 2009-2011 where he lost four consecutive fights — marked by knockout losses to Fedor Emelianenko, Brett Rogers, and Sergei Kharitonov — the “Pitbull” actually ended his first UFC stint on a three-fight win streak, including a decision victory against current heavyweight title contender Fabricio Werdum and TKO’s of Marcio Cruz and Jake O’Brien. His departure was contract-related (and immediately profitable), and since then, Dana White has always been highly complimentary of Arlovski as a fighter and as a person, even while criticizing his career choices.
Arlovski has gone 6-1 since leaving Strikeforce in 2011, including wins over Mike Kyle and Travis Fulton, an ugly decision loss to Anthony Johnson, and a highly satisfying no-contest against Tim Sylvia. Arlovski’s contract with the World Series of Fighting had recently expired, and although the WSOF had the option to extend it because he had pulled out of his last fight due to injury, the promotion agreed to release him when he was offered a UFC contract.
UFC 174 was a let down, and that could very well be an understatement.
