Andrei Arlovski vs. Fedor Emelianenko: Can Arlovski Finish What Kazuyuki Fujita Started?

Assuming that Andrei Arlovski does, in fact, fight Fedor Emelianenko at the next Affliction show (and with Affliction, nothing is a safe assumption), we'll be treated to the sight of the best heavyweight in the world taking on the best striker in the heavyweight division. And that has me thinking about what was, probably, the hardest punch Fedor has ever taken, against Kazuyuki Fujita:

The brutal right hand from Fujita comes three minutes into the above video, and Fedor briefly looks like he's about to be beaten, before he recovers and eventually chokes Fujita out. So can Arlovski deliver the kind of strike that will wobble Fedor, and then follow up with a combination that could knock him out?

I have my doubts. As impressive as Arlovski has looked on his current five-fight winning streak, none of the guys he's beaten (Marcio Cruz, Fabricio Werdum, Jake O'Brien, Ben Rothwell, Roy Nelson) can withstand an onslaught the way Fedor can.

Arlovski's striking coach, Freddie Roach, told me he thinks Arlovski has the striking ability to beat Fedor. I disagree, but it'll be fun to find out -- if the fight ever happens.

Bonus: If you watch the above video, you get to hear Bas Rutten say the words, "kick to the head." That's always fun.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

10-20-2008 @ 11:27AM

Eric said...

You can look at this as a vulnerability, but I see as a strength for Fedor. Fujita is a powerful man and he lands a huge shot that Fedor doesn't see, and he still doesn't go down!

Fedor finishes the fight with the choke, but it was the left kick to the body followed by the left hook to the head that ended the night for Fujita.

Fedor uses punches to close the distance while setting up a takedown better that anyone in the sport. I think he will takedown Arlovski with ease.

10-20-2008 @ 11:44AM

tobias said...

Ummm, actually Fedor is the best striker in the heavyweight division.

10-20-2008 @ 1:41PM

I tend to agree with you ... Arlovski's boxing may be more technical, but Fedor's hands are more effective & he has been against a higher level of competition.

Fedor's brother, Aleksander, has incredible hands too. Aleksander moves and throws punches just like Fedor, but he is 6'5" and 250 lbs. I hope he will dedicate himself more and become a real threat at Heavyweight.

10-20-2008 @ 12:13PM

Brayan said...

wamma lists fedor as number 1 heavyweight in the world.
Not the number 1 striker in the world. His style of fighting is not a full striking art. I believe he is a Sambo champion, i could be wrong but i know it involves judo or similar. He just happens to be heavy and explosive when punching. Their are heavyweights that strike with awesome style and technique based on their kenpo or kickboxing or muay thai ,etc.

10-22-2008 @ 6:50PM

Joe said...

Sambo is judo with stikes. In judo tournies you cant strike while in sambo you can. So it is safe to say fedor is the best striker

10-20-2008 @ 1:26PM

chris said...

Can Arlovski Finish What Kazuyuki Fujita Started?

no.

im sure fedor's camp is filling him in on arlovski's boxing abilities. therefore, im guessing fedor's plan is to rush him immediately, get him on the ground where arlovski is not that impressive and submit him pretty quick.

12-19-2008 @ 8:27PM

super said...

NOT FULL STRIKING YOU SAY!!!

While you were mowing your parents lawn you missed

Fedor throw a flurry of punches directly on Tim Sylvia's

face to end the fight with a choke in a blink.