Strikeforce Fedor vs. Silva Results: Kharitonov KOs Arlovski in the First Round

"One shall stand, one shall fall." - Optimus Prime

Tonight's showdown between Andrei Arlovski and Sergei Kharitonov was set to determine who would fall back down the heavyweight rankings and who would move on to fight the winner of the Brett Rogers-Josh Barnett in the semifinals of Strikeforce's first venture in to the eight-man tournament format. 

With both fighters showing signs of having a glass jaw, would they decide to trade and see who could exploit the others chin first, or would the fight end up on the mat and turn in to a grappling showcase?

Prior to this fight, Arlovski worked with Greg Jackson to help get his mind back in the right place after losing his last three fights in such horrible fashion.

Jackson, the master of formulating game plans, failed this time around.

Arlovski started the fight moving very effectively, using head movement to avoid Kharitonov's punches, until about half way through the first round. 

Then Kharitonov landed a right that hurt Arlovski. Kharitonov swarmed, connected with a few more to the chin of Andrei, and that was all she wrote. Arlovski was on the mat motionless.

Kharitonov handed Arlovski his fourth consecutive loss—three by knockout—at 2:49 of the first round.

Kharitonov stands and moves on to face the winner of Barnett-Rodgers.

Arlovski falls and one has to wonder if he should think about calling it a career. 

Play on Playa.

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