Issue 156
July 2017
Is ‘The Last Emperor’ the final hope for heavyweight greatness in his homeland? Here are four men that could succeed him on the throne
Sergey Pavlovich
Age: 25
Record: 10-0
Organization: Fight Nights Global
Forget just Russia, this man is the best heavyweight prospect on the entire planet. Pavlovich has a perfect record and an aggressive style that brings back memories of a raw Cain Velasquez. He’s rarely not looking for a finish with rapid-fire power punching combinations that have overwhelmed almost everyone he’s faced. Eight of his 10 opponents have failed to make it out of the first round. If you can criticize him for anything, it’s that he fades a little when he’s taken down the stretch, but which heavyweights can’t you say that about? He’s also the youngest of our picks, so he’s got plenty of time to put that right. If he can, mark him down as a future world title contender. If anyone has the potential to emulate Fedor Emelianenko, it’s this guy.
Alexander Volkov
Age: 28
Record: 28-6
Organization: UFC
A man who’s already made it to the UFC and impressed in his last bout with a three-round dismantling of Roy Nelson. He’s a former Bellator champion, but showed some vulnerabilities when he washed out of the promotion on the back of decision losses to Cheick Kongo and Tony Johnson. He’s been on the comeback trail since then, punched his ticket to the Octagon and knows how to use his six-foot-seven frame against shorter foes. He’s also still a few years from reaching the traditional peak age for MMA’s big men, so the best could still be to come from the Strela Team product.
Denis Goltsov
Age: 26
Record: 19-4-0
Organization: Absolute Championship Berkut
This St Petersburg native began his career with a mixed 5-4 record, but has been on a tear since 2012, putting together a 14-fight winning streak that features the scalps of some familiar names to Western MMA fans like Brett Rogers, Paul Buentello and Mike Kyle. Like Pavlovich, he’s a finisher, with eight KOs and seven submissions to his name. He wins fights with tight boxing, a slick ground game and lethal head-kicking ability. He’d test most fighters around the division’s top 10.
Vitaly Minakov
Age: 32
Record: 18-0
Organization: Fight
Nights Global
Another former Bellator champion, and the man that took the belt from Volkov back in 2013. Minakov is the elder Statesman of this group, having turned 32 this year, but he’s arguably just entering his peak years. Remember, Randy Couture became heavyweight champion for the third time aged 43. In terms of skills, he’s got the full package and he boasts a fearsome 19-0 record with 17 stoppages. He’s also shown interest in fighting for the UFC. He could strengthen his case for an Octagon opportunity by getting past Antonio Silva in a fight that was scheduled for June 6th. At least if ‘Bigfoot’ upsets the odds and wins by the time you’re reading this, that’s one thing Minakov will have in common with Emelianenko.
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