Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski will get another crack at regaining the title if he can get past Fabricio Werdum this weekend at UFC 70, according to statements from UFC President Dana White in a conference call yesterday.
He will face whoever wins the UFC 74 match between current beltholder Randy Couture and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic/Gabriel Gonzaga that is slated for August 25.
If the statement turns out to be accurate, Arlovski will leapfrog the man who beat him twice to win and defend, respectively, the heavyweight crown, former champion Tim Sylvia.
And if that happens, it appears "The Maine-iac" will have to wait a long time — at least until the last quarter of 2007 — to challenge for the belt he held so dear.
Interesting decision on the part of the UFC, but certainly not surprising.
It's important to note that Arlovski faces an extremely game opponent in Werdum. He will have his hands full in Manchester, England, come Saturday night to say the least.
However, perhaps the knowledge that his chance to reclaim the title is so close will provide the "Pitbull" with a little extra motivation to turn in a winning performance.
But don't hold your breath.
White made no indication that Werdum would earn that same opportunity with an upset.
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