Fedor Vs Barnett: Friendly Salvation

Here we are again with news of what promises to be an exciting match between Fedor Emelianenko vs Josh Barnett at Affliction's M-1 Global event on Aug. 1. As always, I will get right into the action and give my highlights.

Fedor, aka "The Last Emperor" is unquestionably the most powerful MMA fighter the world has ever seen since MMA became mainstream. He has outclassed all his opponents and achieved a win streak (30-1) unlike any fighter on this planet.

Each of his fights leaves you with an edge-of-your seat thrill ride. His constant calm composure is what still mystifies opponents because no strategy seems to work against him.

Fedor has dangerous hands, feet, throws, and submission skills. Along with his "no expression" demeanor, I can only assume opponents go into the fight thinking, what does it take to beat this "Terminator?"

Fedor's last fight against Andrei Arlovski is a good reminder to all those who doubt his abilities. Arlovski was actually working a smart game plan by setting up Fedor with low kicks and utilizing his boxing skills.

At first, it appeared that Arlovski's strategy was working very well because Fedor was not able to gain initial dominance with his punches or take downs. Many thought Arlovski would upset Fedor's win streak but then again, the golden rule is never underestimate your opponent.

Arlovski threw a few punches, then a front push kick that moved Fedor back against the ropes and BANG! He underestimated Fedor at this exact moment by trying to land a flying knee and was caught in mid-air with a powerful right hand that stopped Arlovski dead cold in his tracks.

Another example would be Fedor's fights against Matt Hume and Tim Sylvia. They were also outstanding as he showed a beautiful hip toss against Hume and eventually caught him with the arm bar. Tim Sylvia did not even stand a chance when Fedor unleashed punch after punch, rocking Sylvia, and then going for the rear-naked choke.

My prediction is the same as Fedor's expression. He will win simply by KO, TKO, or submission. It is clear and simple. No tricks necessary when talking about Fedor Emelianenko.

For Josh Barnett, he has to stick to his strengths in submission and catch-wrestling. He has good boxing skills but the power is not as effective as Fedor. While he recently did win via a KO against Pedro Rizzo and TKO against Gilbert Yvel (Barnett's MMA record of 24-5), Fedor is a completely different type of animal.

Barnett should already be aware of this fact.

An example would be the Fedor's fight against Fujita. Fujita rocked him wth a right hand in that classic Pride match but Fedor was still fighting full force. He ended the fight with a brutal kick to Fujita's stomach, followed by a one-two combination, and the rear-naked choke.

Barnett will need extensive work on stand up as well as the clinch in case of a tie-up. Regardless if Fedor sweeps him or vice versa, the chances of catching Fedor in a submission is slim to none. If Antonio Nogueira did not come close to submitting Fedor, I highly doubt Barnett will even get the chance to.

As a result, the only chance for Barnett to succeed in this fight is either by judge's decision or utilize his hands and feet similar to Arlovski's game plan and pray that he gets the right timing and knockouts out Fedor.

Of course, no man on this planet is indestructible. Sooner or later, everyone loses. Randy Couture, Chuck Liddel, Rashad Evans, Wanderlai Silva, and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua to name a few have all tasted defeat. You win some and you lose some. It is the nature of this sport.

To throw in my last two cents, I see Fedor winning and officially retiring as he has nothing left to prove.

MMA fans worldwide will find out Aug. 1 if the Baby-Faced Assassin has Fedor scoped out in his sights or if the Last Emperor will still remain dominant as the king of MMA.