Fedor Emelianenko is in a weird position. He's the number one heavyweight in the world, and is rapidly running out of worthy challengers. He's already beaten UFC Interim Heavyweight Champ Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, who is widely considered his number one contender. His next ranked potential challenger, Randy Couture, is in contract limbo and currently involved in litigation with the UFC. Enter Tim Sylvia.
Sylvia is a former UFC Heavyweight champion, and is currently ranked number four in the WAMMA rankings behind Nogueira and Couture. He holds notable wins over Ben Rothwell and Andrei Arlovski. He will face Fedor for the WAMMA Heavyweight title on Affliction's first PPV card, on July 19.
Breaking down the fight, look for Sylvia to have the advantage in the standup. He holds a notable size advantage, being 6"8. Sylvia should work behind that long jab, and keep his distance to avoid Fedor's takedown attempts, similar to his gameplan against Nogueira.
Fedor has the firepower to stand with Sylvia, but that's not his strongest suit. He needs to find a way to get inside of Sylvia's range, and get the fight to the ground. Fedor has awesome ground n' pound, and a good submission game. Should the fight hit the mat, Sylvia could be in trouble.
Prediction
Looking at their respective fights against Nogueira as a gauge, Fedor should hold an advantage. He holds two wins in three fights with Nogueira, with one being declared a no contest. Sylvia was submitted in his last fight against Nogueira, after dominating most of the fight.
Barring Sylvia landing something big, Fedor should be able to find a way to get the fight to the ground. Once he does, look for him to pound Sylvia en route to a unanimous decision win or late submission.
With this fight, Fedor will get a chance to show MMA fans who think his number one ranking is suspect where his game is right now. He hasn't lost since his T.K.O. defeat due to a cut eight years ago, and a win could help cement his place as the number one heavyweight fighter in MMA history.
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3 months ago
And the cut was a complete fluke too. It wasn't like the other guy was beating him up. I watched the fight before and if I recall correctly he got cut by a shoulder or a headbutt.
Just one thing, his submission game isn't good. It's fucking great. His kimuras and armbars are phenomal. His hip action off his back to pull off his armbars is like that of a lightweight. That and in all the groundwork he had to do vs Big Nog in three fights and he never got submitted. That's some stellar submission defense.
from 3 months ago
I agree Robert his ground game is pretty awesome. I probably understated it in my article.
from 3 months ago
I agree that AA and Fedor is a fight fans have wanted to see for years. Depending on what happens July 19th, and with Couture's contract situation, we may have a few fights to look forward to in the heavyweight division.
3 months ago
If it weren't for Couture being inactive he should be #1. Randy is the top and he would beat Fedor, Big Nog, and anyone else they threw in front of him.
from 3 months ago
Jason: do you really think that Couture is a better fighter than Fedor or Big Nog? That may be your opinion, but I will have to respectfully disagree. Beating an injured Sylvia and overrated Gonzaga does not make you the no.1 heavyweight in my book. You're buying into the "Captain America" and UFC hype.
First, Randy would not get past the top guys at 205, including Rampage, Liddell, Shogun, Wand, Henderson, Machida, or even a 185 pound Anderson Silva. Second, though Randy has fought top competition, he is 16-8, while Fedor and Nog have beaten everybody they've faced, and Nog's only unavenged losses have come to Fedor. And there are a lot of heavyweights right now who would beat Randy: Arlovski, Barnett, Aleksander, and Werdum, besides Fedor and Nog.
Randy doesn't want to fight Nog, because he knows he would lose and that would cost him a big pay day against Fedor. Couture isn't afraid of anybody (pro fighters aren't physically afraid of anyone), but he's smart and knows that risking a fight with Nog would reduce the buzz for a future date with Fedor. He wants to cash in before he retires for good, and fighting Fedor is a win-win situation for Couture (he's expected to lose against the best in the world, and beating Fedor in his last fight would truly top off an amazing career).
I appreciate Couture's abilities and legacy, and him winning the heavyweight belt again was astonishing. But we have to be realistic here, and he would be hard pressed to win the back the 205 belt, let alone beat the top two heavyweights in the world, who have never been finished (it was 2 knockout losses to Liddell which pushed Randy into retirement, remember?). Then again, to each his own.
from 3 months ago
Couture's losses go like this
Enson Inoue In a Vale Tudo tournament in Japan in 1998
Mikhail Illoukhine in 1999
Valentijn Overeem in 2000
Josh Barnett in 2002 who happened to test positive after the fight
Ricco Rodriguez in 2002
Vitor Belfort in 2004, because of a cut from an unintentional thumb in the eye
And then twice to Liddell
Arlovski maybe, Barnett if he juiced again, Aleksander...no way, Werdum probably not, Fedor hasn't fought anyone worth fighting in like 3 years, and Nog wouldn't be able to get Randy to the ground. Nog has a really good standup game, but I don't think it's good enough. I think you bought in to the Pride hype even though besides a certain few all flopped.
from 3 months ago
Doubt that very seriously Jason, he would lose to one or both of them at this point. He is only getting older you know................
from 3 months ago
I am just not really buying into the Fedor hype. I saw him fight and I was really into him at first, but once I saw how the Pride fighters performed in the UFC, I just don't see him being as bad as he looked. OK here's the deal if he loses to Sylvia, and that's a big if, because I am not really impressed with Sylvia, then you gotta at least give Randy a chance. If he dominates Sylvia then I will say you got a point. But if he just beats him in an ordinary win then we get to continue with the way things are. I think we will never be sure unless Randy gets his contract settled and signs with Affliction for a one fight super fight.
from 3 months ago
Im not saying Fedor is unbeatable or anything, Jason. And who knows how he would do in the UFC? your point about pride fighters is good, except what if Pride had bought the UFC? how do you think the UFC fighters would have done if they had to go to Japan and fight in the ring?
Having said all that, if Fedor loses to Sylvia, I don't think that makes Sylvia #1. I think that makes Big Nog #1 and Couture #2. In my opinion Couture would have to fight Nog to be the #1 heavy at that point.
from 3 months ago
I definitely don't think Silvia could ever be #1. I think he was overrated as it was. What if it was all cleared up with the contract and we saw Fedor vs. Couture, and Couture won...would that put Couture as the top guy or would he still have to fight Nog? I think since Fedor beat Nog twice then He should be ranked #2. I just don't think Nog could take Couture down, and I don't think he could beat Couture on their feet. Couture is a decent striker, and I think he would be too powerful for Nog. I also think the game plan of "imposing his will" would break Fedor.
from 3 months ago
ill give a more accurate prediction of Couture/Fedor if Fedor beats Sylvia. At this point I favor him via decision over Couture, but ill wait to see what happens July 19th first. I may upgrade my prediction or downgrade it based on Fedor's performance.
from 3 months ago
The only thing about Fedor is him fighting poofs lately. I think it would be better to be inactive, than to fight guys of the caliber he has. I was and still am a huge Fedor fan, but I do believe that Fedor Couture would have been great back when they both were at the top and the only dispute to who was #1 was each other.
3 months ago
like the article bryan - i know you're a big fedor guy, as am I, and I hope he silences all his critics with a victory in this fight. This might cement him as the best MMA fighter of all time, not just the best heavyweight.
from 3 months ago
I wrote this more to start some debate up on the subject, so I didnt go too in depth. I wanted to know what everybody thought.
3 months ago
look for FEDOR to have the advantage in the standup
from 3 months ago
Fedor will drop Sylvia just like he dropped Zulu and will finish with an armbar. I don't know if we'll be seeing a lot of ground and pound from Fedor, because he doesn't want to injure his hand again. Regardless, Sylvia will be lucky to make it to the second round.
Plus, Fedor won't want to toy with Sylvia like he did with Coleman, so look for him to be aggressive in trying to finish the fight early, before Tim develops any sort of confidence in his abilities. I give props to Sylvia for taking this fight, though he knows it's a win-win situation for him, and he's gonna make a lot of money in the process. Still, you need cojones to step into the ring with the best, and I hope Sylvia brings his A game and doesn't have any excuses if he loses.
from 3 months ago
possible jon, especially if he watched the tape of the Couture/Sylvia fight.
3 months ago
Nog always finds a way to win (except against Fedor), and in a five round fight, he would eventually catch Couture with a submission. Nog has underrated technical striking, and I think he could outstrike Couture on the feet too, plus outclass him on the ground. I'm not sure how Couture would win that fight, unless he's able to keep the fight on the feet the whole time and outstrike Nog, which I don't think would happen, because I think Nog's stand-up is slightly better.
Plus Nog and Fedor have quite a strength advantage over Couture, and they're both proficient in the clinch as well. I really can't see from a stylistic point of view how Randy could beat either of them, seeing as how they've both never been finished and have faced the some of the best heavyweights in the world.
Fedor and Nog have better striking and submissions than Couture, and are dangerous from the guard position. Couture's wrestling would only get him subbed, and he wouldn't be able to use his clinch to overpower them or keep them pinned against the cage. He would need a miracle to win (and no, intentionally trying to cut your opponent because that's the only way you can beat them is not a real win, and does not prove that you're a better fighter). And Couture admitted he can't throw high kicks, so you can take that possibility out of the equation.
from 3 months ago
Actually Jad, with Couture's age and recent inactivity, I wouldn't be surprised to see him lose to anybody at this point. There comes a point in every fighter's career where age starts to matter, and Couture is no exception.
3 months ago
I would have rather seen Arlovski take on Fedor. Hopefully if AA and Fedor win we can see that fight before the Couture vs. Fedor bout. I would also like to see AA vs. Aleks.
from 3 months ago
thats if Fedor doesn't immediately demand a tomato can from Japan. He seems to be fond of fighting those japanese no hopers. I hope his next fight after this is also Couture or Arlovski, and I hope he doesn't price himself out of either matchup demanding Oscar De La Hoya money either.
from 3 months ago
I've been dying to see Arlovski vs. Fedor. If Arlovski lands that straight right hand, it could be all over. Part of me actually wants to see Fedor lose, just to see the reaction in the MMA world. I don't think I could handle it emotionally.
Some things in life are certain, and operate in a cycle. The sun will still be shining tomorrow morning. Death awaits us all. We have to pay our taxes (most of us anyway). A hardly-improved Madden game will come out every year. There will be continual war and bloodshed. Fedor always wins. Money still talks. Greed and corruption abound. For everything else, there will always be another cheesy Mastercard commercial.
Once this cycle is broken... Chaos envelops, and the end will be near. Are MMA web sites ready for the massive meltdown that will occur should Fedor lose in the future? I have to start mentally preparing, just in case.
On a side note, that was my 200th comment. Yay!
from 3 months ago
Definitely dying to see an Arlovski vs Emelianenko fight. They better both win on the 19th. I think I'd even venture to say I'd rather see Arlovski vs Fedor than Couture vs Fedor. It's the perfect stylistic matchup because the fight could literally end up taking place anywhere, including with either man on their back, where at least Fedor is still very dangerous. I won't get my hopes up thought... contracts are annoying.
3 months ago
Dudes ..... Fedor by ultimate ownage, whatever he wants.
Jad, you high bro ? You talking nonsense.
Fedor is the GOAT - I already see it.
Tim lumbers on his stilt-legs like those Tripods in War of the Worlds, Fedor does his hopping and maneuvring, and BANG - Super-man punch from Fedor - at this point Sylvia either falls, or Fedor manhandles him to the ground for a submission.
Sincerely,
Sheikh Zubeer
CEO, Cameldog Enterprises LLC
www.cameldog.net
from 3 months ago
ok Sheikh, Fedor by "ultimate ownage" lol
3 months ago
I dont understand why everyone always underestimates Fyodors striking. His stand-up game is phenomenal, he can close the distance faster than anyone in MMA. His foot speed is unreal, and his arms are probably almost exactly the same length as Tim Sylvia's, he has freakishly long arms for a man his height. Theres a lot of subtle things he does if you watch his fights closely,especially in slow-motion,and he's very good at avoiding punches. Not only that, but he has some of the fastest if not THE fastest hands in MMA, which is even more incredible considering his size.Look at the opening of the third round in the fight between Fyodor and Cro Cop, he hits Cro Cop with two left hooks in the time that it would take most fighters to land one. Yes his stand-up is a little unorthodox, but that doesnt mean its not good, its actually better because its harder to train for it,and obviously his stand up is very effective. He will definately be able to land a punch on Sylvia and he has the power to knock him out.
from 3 months ago
One word for you Mike, Hyberbole. Stop using it so much.
3 months ago
Oh i'm sorry bryan, i didnt know there was a limit to how many "Hyberboles" i can use. By the way, can you tell me how many HYPERBOLES i used in that comment?
from 3 months ago
I dunno, but seeing as how your comment was about "Fyodor" Im not entirely sure you were reading the right article. lol.
Fedor is very good, but he doesn't have the fastest hands in MMA and he doesn't close the distance the fastest in MMA or any of that. Not even if he beats Sylvia in 20 seconds.
Fastest hands? Maybe BJ Penn or Urijah Faber
Guy who closes the distance the fastest? BROCK LESNAR, not even close
3 months ago
Ok so i guess you cant pick out my Hyperboles, and there is no "Fedor" in Russia, its Fyodor, thats the way it should be written when translated to english, but Americans cant pronunce it so they say "Fay-door", instead of "Fee-yo-door". I'm sure he gets a kick out of it every time anybody calls him Fedor. And by the way, I wasnt even saying anything bad about your article, I was just stating my opinion on his stand-up because it seems that so many people think that he always has the disadvantage. and then you had to bring in Hyperboles like your some kind of badass, I mean just because your lame ass article had nothing new to say and it had a minimal Hyperbole count doesnt mean my comment has to. But you have your right to state your expert opinion too.
from 3 months ago
First, who cares what they call him in Russia?
Second, you have written absolutely zero articles so I enjoy you calling me an expert. Although I must say that your knowledge of the pluralization of hyperbole and the correct pronounciation of FEDOR's name qualify as an expert in the insignificant.
Im not out to insult you in any way Mike, in fact, I appreciate your opinion even if I don't agree with it. After all, you are reading MY article. lol.
thanks for the read pal.
3 months ago
Well, at this point we all know that Fedor wants to fight twice more this year (www.mmajunkie.com) and I don't see why if he wins he couldn't fight AA and then barring a loss to him, Randy on New Years....that I bet is the plan...it would be great to see that...but to be quite honest I'm kinda with Jason on this one...I've seen Fedor, and the hype is a bit too much. Couture's been inactive for a bit now, so I don't know if he still has everything, but to be honest, I think that the best in that division is kinda up in the air. I still say AA in his prime a few years back was unbeatable...before his demise to crap Sylvia...I don't know...at this point Couture's prob number one for me...and Fedor prob two...but with a great win over Sylvia...heck I'm flexible...depends on what happens though...but I don't think Fedor is as great as advertised....one heck of a fighter though.
from 3 months ago
Nick,
that was basically the whole point of my article. That no one really knows where Fedor's game is as of right now today. But we will get to see July 19th, and we can all speculate from there.
2 months ago
I know what you mean Bryan, but you wrapped it up by saying that it could help cement him as the best Heavyweight fighter in history...I know writers are supposed to be pretty neutral to their opinions, and so I am wondering if you agree with that statement? Do you think he is the best heavyweight in MMA history?
from 2 months ago
History I dunno, best heavyweight today, yes absolutely. Until he loses. I think few can argue with that.
good thing is soon we may not have to argue at all, because if he fights and beats Sylvia, AA, and Couture in his next three fights I will consider him the best heavyweight in MMA history easily and a strong argument could be made for the best fighter in MMA history pound for pound.
Should he lose one, or more of those fights, and a whole new set of arguments will open up.
2 months ago
I agree Bryan. I do.
2 months ago
Couture and Fedor will be great for one reason. The chance to make a lot of money betting on the almost sure thing that is the GOAT Fedor. Couture showed guts meeting Fedor after the Sylvia destruction. His ego will push him to fight. Then I and anyone else who does not have shit for brains can rake in the cash.
from 2 months ago
I agree that Randy poses little threat to Fedor.
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