Prior to UFC 70: "Nations Collide" on April 21 UFC President Dana White indicated in a conference call with reporters that if former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski could dispatch of Fabricio Werdum he would earn himself another crack at the title.
What a difference a lackluster performance makes.
According to an article today in the Chicago Sun-Times, White has backed off that statement and now says "The Pitbull" will not get the winner of current champion Randy Couture and Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 74 on August 25.
Here's the snip:
"UFC president Dana White said that he was disappointed with Chicago-based heavyweight Andrei Arlovski's victory April 21 and that Arlovski is not next in line for a title shot."
Arlovski came out strong in the first stanza against Werdum, but seemed to let up off the gas pedal after the Brazilian whacked him with a few crisp punches, including a bitch slap.
As a result, the second and third rounds were dull and cautious -- much like the third bout between Arlovski and Tim Sylvia last year.
The crowd reigned down boos when it was announced Arlovski had picked up a unanimous decision after three rounds, and the Belarussian actually apologized inside the Octagon for his careful approach.
Put simply, Arlovski did what he had to do to get the win on the judges scorecards.
Unfortunately for him, the performance didn't score points with many viewers, as well as his boss.
And I can't say that I disagree with the decision ... imagine that.
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