Emelianenko Scratched From Affliction Card

Don't worry, not that Emelianenko. I'll give you a moment to let out a sigh of relief...OK.

Yes, Aleksander Emelianenko has been scratched from the Affliction lineup after failing to meet his licensing requirements.

This does slightly take away from the card, as I was looking forward to seeing the tatted up Russian and his ruthless style. I have always enjoyed seeing this big galoot step in the ring because of his explosive hands and 10-mile-long mean streak. I mean, Jeff Monson is the only guy with as many tattoos, and he isn't that pleasant either.

Emelianenko has always played second fiddle to his brother, and this night was no exception, but say his last name was Pavlyuchenko, (trying to stay Russian), he would still be looked at as a talented fighter. Maybe even an opponent to Fedor.

Aleks' replacement will be journeyman, veteran, and former pro arm-wrestler Gary Goodridge. Goodridge is on a two-fight losing streak and has not beaten a notable fighter since 2003 when he defeated Don "The King of the Stache" Frye in Pride. Also he lost in his last quality fight to Heath Herring.

Aleks has been a little better of late. He was on a three-fight win streak with a notable win over Dan Bobish, if Dan qualifies as notable these days. Also, his last loss was to Fabricio Werdum, a rising star that is a no-questions-asked top-10 fighter, coming off wins over Vera and Gonzaga.

Now it's time to look at the man who would have faced Emelianenko. Paul Buentello. The headhunter is entering this fight coming off of a loss. Buentello also hasn't had a quality win really ever in his career, unless you call post-millennium Tank Abbott quality.

Buentello has faced the likes of Overeem, Arlovski, Severn, and Tanner, so I do give him the benefit of experience with 11 years under his belt.

So does this take away from the card overall, yes, sure it does. So what does that make it? Maybe only a nine out of five now? Whichever way you look at it, it's still one of the best cards I have ever seen.

So as you scream in delight at how awesome July 19 is, between brews and knockouts, but don't fret for A. He'll be back. Fedor will make sure of that.