This will be their last show! On what site was the Atencio getting pissed off thing?

MMA weekly in the blog section, just scroll down.

Thanks!

question: Can Arlovski use his footwork and a machida-like stick and move tactics to dethrone King Fedor?

Arlovski’s head movement isn’t that great unfortunately and Fedor embodies the Russian style of footwork, jumping in and out on your toes, so it’ll be hard to beat him there sort of like when Mirko tried using his usual stalking method on Fedor. If he wasn’t worried about Fedor grabbing and taking him down it would be easier for him to get inside Fedor’s hooks and hit him straight down the middle like Fujita. I don’t think AA has the footwork or defensive skills (head movement being the biggest issue) right now to play that strategy too well.

I definitely do like the idea of using a lot of leg strikes to keep Fedor from dominating the tempo of the fight then getting Fedor when he jumps in with those big hooks. Imo, Fedor’s main openings appear when he gets a bit relaxed and when he throws those haymakers as he drops his guard, but he pulls his guard up and jumps out of range faster than anyone or else grabs his opponent. AA’s very good, but his defense is easily the weakest part of his stand-up so an aggressive strategy might be required to keep Fedor from moving in and out. Fedor likes to keep moving, then jump in at the moment he sees an opening, generally a very good strategy against Arlovski if AA isn’t pressing forward hard.

Maybe if AA uses leg shots to keep Fedor in a set range and then presses him with his hands (he strings together shots beautifully) he will be able to get Fedor to throw a defensive hook at he wrong moment (he likes to pull away or grab his opponent under pressure but otherwise will usually throw a hook), without a lot of forward momentum. AA has good aim and hand speed and might well be able to get in and land well if that happens. However, with questionable defense and toughness this is still a risky strategy if Fedor gets in on him.

I think Machida’s stick and move works better in the cage. Fedor is also better at slipping punches. I think leg kicks are very risky. Maybe inside leg kicks might keep him at bay off balance when he comes in but outside ones give too many openings for him catch and get inside. His kicks also don’t do enough damage to really cripple a fighter or make them nervous ala Alves. He pretty much needs to stand his ground and work the jab coz he’s not good at countering. Mind you he also needs to avoid the clinch at all cost during this. I bet you anytihng that fedor is looking for a clinch takedown because arlovski’s bottom game has consistently gone down.

I agree! If they Clinch, its OVER because Fedor will throw him on the ground, G n P AWAY, until he gets the opening for a submission!

those are the only competitive fights. Arlovski will get blown out in the 1st. And i don’t even want to hear about gilbert barnett.