Where does Arlovski fit in?

Dominus · #1 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 02:54 PM

Where does Arlovski fit in in this new era of MMA. With UFC and Pride being under the same ownership, where will things end up for Arlovski. He is now working on his comeback to the UFC title, but since the UFC has picked up Big Nog and Cro Cop things have changed a whole lot for Arlovski.

Many people feel that Arlovski is not at the level of Big Nog or Cro Cop, so if this is the case what will happen to Arlovski? At some point in the near future Arlovski will have to face one or both of these boys if he wants that UFC gold again. That's not to mention he still has to get through Wedrum before any of that happens.

Can Arlovski use this jump in talent in the UFC HW division to grow as a fighter, could Arlovski become the unstoppable animal that we want him to be.? Many people would say “No,” or “Not with that glass jaw”, but is that really the case?

Well the future is now and if Arlovski wants to be in the UFC HW title picture, he will have to step up to the plate. The question is, will he knock it out of the park, or strike out. I am a firm believer that Arlovski will surprise a lot of people and show that he is the type of fighter that hang with the top talent in the MMA world.

smoogy · #2 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 02:57 PM

If you believe what Dana White says then Arlovski will be next in line behind CroCop if he wins this weekend. Personally I want to see a rematch with Datsik.

DonFrye · #3 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 02:58 PM

He doesn't fit unless he progresses as a fighter. I don't see him beating any of the top 3 at this point. That leaves him on the outside. He'll have to beat a young stud like Vera just to be considered, and like you said that's provided he even gets past Werdum, which is tougher than it sounds.

BigBanda · #4 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 03:04 PM

Lets see what happens this weekend first and if he gets past Werdum than his chances just got even better.

Dork8503 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 03:04 PM

AA will always fit in. He has enough speed an power in his hands to put anyone to sleep. Mirko does not have the greatest chin in the world so AA could put him out, just dont see it happening. AA is still young he is only going to get better. Even if he never is champion again he will still give us great fights and will make sure people who dont deserve shots do not get them. I say beating AA proves you are legit.

Big Daddy Duker · #6 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 03:05 PM

I think Arlovski can beat Cro Cop. Not to say that he necessarily will, just that it isn't an impossible match for him. As for Big Nog, I don't know much about him, so I can't really say. I also think that Arlovski is a much worse match for Couture than Sylvia was. Andrei can wrestle somewhat, and doesn't rely on size the way that Sylvia does. As a result of this, I don't think it will be nearly so easy for Couture to come up with a game plan to neutralize him. I agree that things suddenly look a whole lot tougher for AA, but I wouldn't count him out yet.

Dominus · #7 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 03:06 PM

Don't you guys feel that the back to back loses to Sylvia really hurt the perception of Arlovski? Before that first loss everyone, everyone thought he was the unstoppable force. then he lost to Sylvia and people started to turn on him, then when the second fight with Sylvia ended people totally forgot what Arlovski was all about.

What I want to see this weekend is Arlovski take it to Fabrico and KO his ass in Rd #1. Then I think people will remember that Arlovski is the real deal.

jlruthven84 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBanda

Lets see what happens this weekend first and if he gets past Werdum than his chances just got even better.

Yeah, if he can beat Werdum convincingly, I give him a much better chance against Nog and Cro Cop.

Would like to see AA vs Vera, though.

His chin will be a factor, but look at Fedor. The guy's one of the easiest bleeders in the sport, and he's been on top of the world for years now.

DonFrye · #9 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dominus

Don't you guys feel that the back to back loses to Sylvia really hurt the perception of Arlovski? Before that first loss everyone, everyone thought he was the unstoppable force. then he lost to Sylvia and people started to turn on him, then when the second fight with Sylvia ended people totally forgot what Arlovski was all about.

What I want to see this weekend is Arlovski take it to Fabrico and KO his ass in Rd #1. Then I think people will remember that Arlovski is the real deal.

That would be fine with me if he is capable of it. Hell, you can be a champ with a bad chin, look at Klitschko. If you ask me, he and AA are perfect parallels of each other.

Dork8503 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dominus

Don't you guys feel that the back to back loses to Sylvia really hurt the perception of Arlovski? Before that first loss everyone, everyone thought he was the unstoppable force. then he lost to Sylvia and people started to turn on him, then when the second fight with Sylvia ended people totally forgot what Arlovski was all about.

What I want to see this weekend is Arlovski take it to Fabrico and KO his ass in Rd #1. Then I think people will remember that Arlovski is the real deal.

Yup.