Issue 039
July 2008
Home to the big ‘marquee’ fights, the heavyweight division has always had a mystique about it. The domain of some of the sport’s most devastating fighters, the once lacklustre division seems set to undergo a renaissance this summer with a series of high-profile fights taking place. Sylvia vs Fedor will have Couture watching closely, Arlovski makes his return while Nogueira and Mir are lined up for this winter. Rankings are likely to be shaken up, so use this guide to keep on top of the action.
Randy Couture,16-8-0, Las Vegas, USA
IN BRIEF: Legendary heavyweight hero who defied age and the odds to become one of the sports, most highly regarded fighters.
THE GOOD: Many years of Greco-Roman wrestling means his clinch is lethal, but his desire to compete is most impressive.
THE BAD: Suffered in his career first to submission specialists, then to larger heavyweights (prompting a drop to 205lb).
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: UFC heavyweight champion, former light heavyweight champion, tournament champion…You name it.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His first foray at 205lb (an unprecedented trouncing of Chuck Liddell) and his return to heavyweight. His two most recent fights were inspirational.
Fedor Emelianenko, 28-1-0 (1NC), Stary Oskol, Russia
IN BRIEF: The ice-cold yet personable Russian is considered by many to be the definitive heavyweight fighter.
THE GOOD: Striking, wrestling, submissions: he’s got it all. Scarily, few can find any weakness.
THE BAD: The only chinks in his armour have proved to be injuries. A reoccurring thumb problem now seems to be completely healed.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Once the Pride heavyweight champion, he has lost only once (a controversial cut stoppage early in his career).
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His first tussle with Nogueira made the legend; his dominating win over the then-unstoppable Mirko Cro Cop cemented it.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, 31-4-1 (1NC), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
IN BRIEF: Granite-jawed submission wizard and interim UFC heavyweight champ. A true veteran of the sport.
THE GOOD: His jiu-jitsu is among the best in MMA (as is his chin) and his improved boxing ability means he is dangerous standing too.
THE BAD: His wrestling will always be a weak point. Can sometimes suffer from being too laid-back during fights.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: He held the Pride heavyweight title until losing it to Fedor, and captured the interim UFC title by submitting Tim Sylvia.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His energetic scrap with Dan Henderson was highly entertaining, but his fight with Bob Sapp proved ‘Minotauro’ has got guts as well as skills.
Andrei Arlovski, 13-5-0, Chicago, USA
IN BRIEF: Rangy Spartan lookalike noted for his fast hands and menacing presence.
THE GOOD: Tall, quick for his size and with long arms and legs, his striking ability is top notch (as is his takedown defence).
THE BAD: Notoriously chinny, he has not responded well when put up against capable strikers. Became gun-shy after his first loss to Tim Sylvia.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Held the UFC heavyweight title at a time when competition was thin.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His utter destruction of Wesley ‘Cabbage’ Correira is one for the highlight reels, as was his beating of Justin Eilers.
Josh Barnett, 21-5-0, Los Angeles, USA
IN BRIEF: Part-time pro wrestler, full-time MMA fighter and coach. A champion of ‘catch wrestling’ as a submission style.
THE GOOD: Solid in every area, he can strike and wrestle and has a plethora of nasty and unorthodox submission holds.
THE BAD: He’ll never fight in the UFC again thanks to a falling out with Dana White following a positive test for steroids in 2002.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Was the youngest UFC heavyweight champion at the age of 25 when he defeated Randy Couture by TKO.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His toe-to-toe battles with Aleks Emelianenko and Pedro Rizzo, or his clinical grappling display against Nogueira.
Tim Sylvia, 24-4-0, Bettendorf, Iowa
IN BRIEF: Controversial and lanky Miletich-trained striker known for his thunderous right hand.
THE GOOD: Physically imposing at 6’8”, he poses a problem for almost anyone with his long reach and solid takedown defence.
THE BAD: Although a holder of 16 KO/TKOs, his style is not overly exciting and he has been criticised for preferring to go for the ‘safe’ win.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Former long-time UFC heavyweight champion, ruled the division for years until Randy returned.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His KO of Tra Telligman was a shocker, as was his stoppage of Andrei Arlovski in April 2006.
Frank Mir, 11-3-0, Las Vegas, Nevada
IN BRIEF: Talented young fighter who began fighting in the UFC at age 22.
THE GOOD: Slick ground-work and a very mobile yet large frame makes him a dangerous opponent.
THE BAD: Notoriously fickle in his performances and often turns up out of shape. A serious motorbike accident in 2004 threatened his career but left no long-term effects.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Captured the UFC title by breaking Tim Sylvia’s arm, but suffered his accident only three months later and relinquished the belt.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His early submission wins were all impressive but his recent win over Brock Lesnar via kneebar put him back on the map.
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