We head to MMA Fighting for news of Bellator signing a non-title “super-fight” between Heavyweight Champion Cole Konrad and Paul Buentello. It is currently expected that the two will meet at Bellator 42.

Cole Konrad is a very highly distinguished collegiate wrestler that made his debut as a professional MMA fighter in January of last year. In a little over a year, Konrad has notched seven straight victories, including the one that win him the Bellator Heavyweight Championship. Konrad’s 7-0 unbeaten streak includes three finishes, and he’s competed in Bellator five times.

Paul Buentello will be making his Bellator debut against Konrad, but when he steps into the Bellator cage for the first time he’ll be bringing a massive 29-13 fight record with him. Buentello has been active in the sport for over a decade, and will celebrate his fifteenth year of actively fighting in MMA in 2012. Throughout the years, Buentello has fought in the UFC, Strikeforce, Affliction, and then the UFC again. Buentello is currently 2-1 since leaving the UFC in March 2010.

I like the sound of this match, and I think I know why: it makes more sense than something like Ben Askren vs. Nick Thompson. Buentello may have lost three of his last five fights, but that’s better than losing three straight fights all by stoppage. And let’s not forget, two of those three losses came in the most competitive MMA organization in the world (the UFC) against some of the UFC’s higher-ranked Heavyweights (Stefan Struve and Cheick Kongo).

I think this fight could be a real proving point for Cole Konrad, who shares many similarities with Ben Askren. Both are high-level wrestlers that have put together solid unbeaten streaks, but have almost exclusively done it by using their high-level wrestling and not much else. Meanwhile, Paul Buentello has only ever been (T)KO’d three times but has seventeen TKO wins to his credit.

I think Buentello is smart enough to know how Konrad will be approaching this fight, but what I don’t know is if he’s still dangerous enough or still has enough left in his tank to do anything about it. Likewise, I know that Cole Konrad has a great wrestling game but I don’t know if he can deal with someone that can usually absorb a whole lot of damage and give it back even better.

Overall, I’m pretty excited for this fight and I think it’ll be a good test of both men’s skills. But what about you, fans and friends? Any thoughts on this upcoming super-fight?

MMA Weekly reports that fighters involved in the Nemesis Fighting promotion’s “MMA Global Invasion” event have yet to see a single penny from the promotion. The event took place on Monday (December 13) after a tropical storm forced the original date of the event (November 13) to be pushed back a month. The event featured MMA veterans like the aforementioned Keith Jardine as well as Paul Buentello, Terry Martin, and Dean Lister.

According to the report, fighters were handed out checks following the event, but everyone’s checks started bouncing when the fighters attempted to cash them. The report also states that at least eight fighters have officially reported that their checks have bounced. Mike Winkeljohn, one of the head trainers at Greg Jackson’s famed MMA camp, had this to say regarding the situation: “As far as I know none of the fighters got paid… The checking account bounced those checks. It did not have any money in it… It’s a black eye to the sport… The other gentleman involved, his name is Tim Fields, and he’s been involved in some shady deals in the past… I’ll step up to the plate and be that guy and I’ll let everybody know to stay away from that guy cause he’s a scam artist.”

Now, I know the cynical/harsh response is to ask “what did you expect?” The event took place in the Dominican Republic. According to Winkeljohn, one of the men involved in this show had a shady reputation to begin with. It is what it is, what did the fighters expect?

They expected to be treated fairly. That’s all.

No matter what the situation, I will always come down hard on promotions that don’t pay their fighters. I don’t care what reasons are involved, I don’t care what mitigating circumstances should be taken under consideration.

Pay your damn fighters.

You’re not the one dealing with the emotional and physical difficulties of training for a fight for months and then putting it all on the line by stepping into a cage or ring to either hit or get hit. You may be the one pulling the strings and putting everything into motion, but you’re not the one the fans show up to see. This is not a two-way street, unless you’re the UFC or Strikeforce, nine times out of ten MMA fighters don’t need you as badly as you need them.

And to top it all off, there’s no mitigating circumstances here. There were deliberate actions taken to ensure that the promoters and individuals involved in putting this show together could sneak off into the night with their money before anyone discovered that their checks would bounce. So, yeah, the only harsh response I have to this story is the one I have towards the jackals that put on this show.

But what about you, fans and friends? What’s your opinion on the matter?

Making his run towards the Strikeforce heavyweight title in 2007 over UFC veteran Paul Buentello, “The Demolition Man” has shined in performances against Mirko Filipovic, Kazuyuki Fujita, and most recently Brett Rogers, which came via TKO in the first round last May under the Strikeforce banner, in defense of his title.

While he has come into his own in the MMA world, Overeem may be finding that his success in MMA can account for his devastating rampage through the K-1 circuit, as a part-time professional kick boxer.

Training with the likes of killers Errol Zimmerman, the estranged Semmy Schilt (who on occasion holds his own stable of fighters he trains with), Gohkan Saki, and Stefan Leko–all veterans of the K-1 circuit, there really should be no surprise why Overeem has been able to translate into the stand-up realm so efficiently. Finally growing (fast) into his 6’5 frame, and putting behind his gaunt days as an un-glorified light heavyweight, Alistair has added another head to his mantle of KO victims.

Just yesterday, Alistair officially became part of the final 8 in the K-1 World Grand Prix tournament when he defeated fellow qualifier and 2010 K-1 World Champion (Canberra), in Australia’s own Ben Edwards. The Aussie hung tough early on, leading the attack right off the bat with fast and quick combos, though nothing connected.

Alistair seemed like he was biding his time before he struck, and when he struck, the damage was mounting. After knocking down Edwards with a counter right hook, he stalked his opponent, waiting for the opening, which came when he was able to throw an almost Chuck Liddle-esque looping over hand right knocking Ben down for the second time. While his chin remained a mystery, no one can doubt the heart of Edwards, where after receiving the most punishment he’s taken in his career, was able to stand up once again. Another demolition-right hand sealed the deal, and Alistair was declared the winner by TKO, in possibly his most technically proficient K-1 bout to date.

Holding victories over now Ben Edwards, Peter Aerts and Badr Hari in the kickboxing realm is a difficult feat for any competitor to accomplish, and given the fact that Alistair delves in both the MMA and K-1 realm, and is seen as at the top of both leagues, it’s impressive to say the least.

His next opponent, neither in MMA or kickboxing has been decided yet, but one thing is for certain: If your fighting Alistair Overeem, your in for a fight–which is something I don’t know a lot of people could have been saying a few years ago.

So, MMA peeps, what do you think of Alistairs move through the Final 16 in K-1? Do you think his stand up skills are on par with his MMA game, or vice versa? Sound off in the comments section below.

Tim Sylvia has always been a massive Heavyweight. He’s even fought as a three-hundred-pound Super Heavyweight in some of his more recent fights. Against Buentello, he weighed in at 274½. He still has about ten pounds to lose if he really wants to get back in the UFC, but at least he no longer looks like someone’s fat, creepy uncle when he fights. Sylvia seems to have found some dedication again, and even if he didn’t make 265, I commend him for getting within shouting distance of it, because honestly, I think the only reason Sylvia let himself go in his last few fights was because he literally let himself go and stopped caring about getting in shape.

This is not to say that he was in the best shape of his life in the Buentello fight, but he did have the stamina to continuously work his gameplan. For most of the fight Tim Sylvia didn’t allow Buentello an inch to breathe, and I mean that quite literally, as much of the fight involved Sylvia dragging Buentello to a corner of the ring, dirty boxing him, leaning on him, and seriously depleting his stamina. Despite several restarts, Sylvia was unflinching in his desire to grapple against a corner and grind Buentello out. With a combination of leg kicks, body kicks, and body punches, Buentello seemed unable to cope with Sylvia’s ability to dictate where the fight went. The finish was just as surprisingly technical as the fight itself: Sylvia set up an uppercut with a kick to the leg, hit Buentello square on the chin, and got the KO.

It will be interesting to see where this championship reign leaves Tim Sylvia once all is said and done. It’s been confirmed that the first challenger to his belt will be Pedro Rizzo, another MMA veteran best known for his run in the UFC. Like Sylvia, Rizzo’s status as a comeback kid is still a bit in doubt: he’s won three straight, but it hasn’t been against the best competition you could ever possibly face. Personally, I think being a champion again will be a big wake-up call for Tim Sylvia.

If he can get his weight under control and keep utilizing a smart gameplan, if he can keep picking and choosing his shots instead of blindly bull-rushing, if he fights like he means it, Tim Sylvia may get enough wins together to get back in the UFC. I know that’s a lot to ask for, especially for someone that’s been derided as a “best of the worst” UFC Heavyweight Champion. But stranger things have happened by far, and with the UFC’s recent penchant for signing aging MMA stars for seemingly no other purpose than to see if they can still go while milking whatever’s left of their name value, Tim Sylvia would be a no-brainer for the UFC so long as he continues to win these mid-level fights. I’ve never been a huge Tim Sylvia fan, but I admit that he’s entertained me a time or two. I wouldn’t mind seeing him back in the UFC.

And what about you, fans and friends? Is this win the beginning of Tim Sylvia’s big comeback, or just a prolonging of the inevitable? And if Tim Sylvia were to step into the now-radically-different UFC Heavyweight division, how successful do you think he would be?

But, that reminds me of a story my friend’s dad – good ol’ Paul Heck – told me years ago.  He’s a Vietnam veteran and told us how he enlisted to go to Vietnam.  They’d ask incoming soldiers to rank the top three destinations they would like to be stationed.  Seventeen-years old and seemingly invincible, Mr. Heck scribbled Vietnam atop his list.  He wanted to fight!  But, he didn’t realize then that the military never sent soldiers to Vietnam if they listed Vietnam as their top choice.  The military figured that if you wanted to go to Vietnam you either had a death wish or would be too reckless in battle.  They wanted soldiers in Vietnam who wanted to come home alive.  So, Mr. Heck was stationed in The Philippines and served honorably.

But, that’s my hunch about Nelson and Couture being a little too eager to fight Toney. Regardless of Toney’s ground skills, he and any boxing champion are going to be no joke on their feet.  By virtue of his boxing background, Toney’s hand speed, punching accuracy, and footwork is already among the best in MMA, even as an aging boxing champion.

My concern is that both Nelson and Couture know they could put Toney on his back and finish the fight toot sweet.  They want to try to box him!  And, both will knocked out if they box Toney in a cage, in a ring, in a backyard, or wherever.  It wouldn’t be pretty.

So, what’s the point point of either matchup?  If Nelson or Couture wanted to, they could put Toney on his back and finish the fight pretty quickly.  But, by making either matchup, the UFC risks either popular fighter getting a wild hair up their ass and getting knocked out.  Nelson’s career would survive of course, but he’s bankable and rising.  I’m not sure Couture’s career would survive a knockout loss to Toney.

I like a Toney versus “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (4-1) matchup because of they’re both relative novices.  Toney would have a huge advantage on his feet, but Slice would have a slight advantage anywhere else because of his two years of intensive MMA training.  And, it’s a bankable fight on pay per view.  But, evidently it won’t happen.

So, since Toney is going to sell PPV buys regardless of who he fights, I like a matchup versus anyone in the bottom half of the UFC heavyweight division with average or less ground skills.  “Head Hunter” Paul Buentello (25-11), Cheick Kongo (14-6-1), and “Mexicutioner” Joey Beltran (11-3) all fit the bill.

UFC on Versus is headlined by “The Truth” Brandon Vera (11-4) versus “Bones” Jon Jones (9-1). The co-main event for the event has “Napao” Gabriel Gonzaga (11-4) taking on Fighters.com fifth-ranked heavyweight “Cigano” Junior Dos Santos (10-1) in a fight to determine yet another challenger for the UFC heavyweight title.

I am excited to watch Vera take on Jones and see if he can get back to the Vera we knew before his year long layoff due to contract disputes. We keep saying this could be his comeback fight and it never seems to happen for Vera. He has looked tentative and seemingly OK with grinding out decisions. Could this be the last of Vera or will he expose the much younger Jones on his rise to the top?

Either way this will be a thrilling fight but maybe not quite as brutal as when we see Cheick Kongo (14-6-1) versus “The Executioner” Paul Buentello (27-11). These two men love to stand and trade and this could very well be the fight that gives us the “Knock Out of The Night”.

Eventually we will shift from the UFC over to Japan for DREAM 13 which is scheduled for five full hours on HDNet. DREAM starts at midnight PST and any fight should be tuning in to this for a few reasons.

Pride Fighting Championships is now a long lost organization that many hardcore fans swoon over. The loss of Pride left an empty pit the size of the Grand Canyon in the world of Japanese MMA. Japan loves MMA and has some of the most knowledgeable fans in the entire world. DREAM may be the last chance to revive those long lost days of glory and fill that void.

DREAM has seen it’s fair share of issues though with financial instability, soon very bad ratings and matches that seemed to defy any real sense of reason. Their saving graces thus far though have without a doubt been the grand prix tournaments and the recent partnership with Strikeforce. Those alone will not carry the promotion but a fantastic night of fights tonight could endear them in the hearts and minds of fight fans around the world.

Fighters.com fourth-ranked lightweight “Hellboy” Joachim Hansen (18-8) finally makes the much anticipated drop to featherweight to take on DREAM’s featherweight champion and jaw dropping grappler, “The Flash” Biannual Fernandes (7-2). These two fighters are both great grapplers and yet neither are afraid to stand and throw down toe to toe.

This fight is already being talked about as a Fight of the Year candidate then add the fact that these guys are both top-tier elite fighters and no fan of combat sports in their right mind should miss this.

Also on the DREAM card is the return of KJ Noons(7-2) after almost a two year hiatus from the sport. His fight against “Dida” Andre Amade “(6-3-1) is not going to be the easy win some are making  it out to be this week. While Andre is not a very technical striker, he has the heart to gut it out and Noons lack of any significant power leaves this fight wide open.

Do I need to mention every hardcore MMA fans Japanese super hero? “The Punk” Ikuhisa Minowa (42-28-8) steps back inside the ring once again to the delight of fight fans everywhere. Watching him fight is always a treat and I suggest everyone tune in as you never know when we may see him finally retire. Get it while you can!

There is much more in store tonight on DREAM 13 including the chance to listen to one of the best announcers in all combat sports, “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and his amazing one-liners.

Until next time, in the words of The Voice, Goodnight Irene!

My first thought upon hearing this is that the fight makes no sense at all. Then I learned that they did not actually come out and say if this is a title fight or not. My guess is that it will not be for the title but to me the fight still makes very little sense.

I am not a fan of any organization putting a champion inside the cage to fight and that fighter’s title not being on the line. Why have the champ fight at all if you do intend for that title to be at stake? It reminds me of a move boxing used to pull.

Brett Rogers is not a guy that should be getting a title shot anyway so at least that much makes sense. I understand that many of the casual fans are not that familiar with Overeem because he last fought in the United States back in November of 2007 at the Strikeforce Tournament Series. This is a time when the organization was not at the status it is now and thus the exposure for Overeem here is very limited. So in that regard a fight with Rogers makes sense.

Many fans remember the “fits” Brett gave Fighters.com top-ranked heavyweight “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-1) so they are familiar with him and his skill set. If he steps into the cage with Alistair and gets beaten to a pulp then the crowd will be clamoring for a fight between Overeem and Fedor. However what happens if Overeem gets knocked out in this fight or Rogers wins a decision? Then what do you do with your champion?

This is an issue Strikeforce must be prepared for because in MMA anything is possible.

The fight that makes sense from my perspective is to have Overeem fight Fedor right away but this will not happen as Fedor’s manager, Vadim Finkelstein, said in an interview with sports.ru.

“I personally think that Alistair Overeem did not reach the desired level to challenge Fedor. He beat a lot of no-name opponents in Mixed Martial Arts. Overeem defeated Paul Buentello and then disappeared from the United States for more than two year, which is simply ridiculous. Also, pay attention that Werdum beat Overeem when they were fighting in Pride, four years ago.”

“We do not fight for the Strikeforce Heavyweight Title. Strikeforce are our partner, and any titles whether it is UFC, Strikeforce, WAMMA, Dream… they are just medals. Fedor is above these things. We are interested in the level of our opponent and his popularity among the audience.”

While I understand the sentiment behind this, many will scream once again that Fedor is ducking opponents. I believe he has a point here as Overeem is not in the top ten of any rankings.

This is a fight I want to see even though I despise watching a champ fight and the title not being up for grabs. However, the fanboy inside me yearns to see Overeem versus Fedor as it reminds me of a fight would see in the days of Pride. Hope for the sake of Strikeforce that Overeem wins this one in exciting fashion, that is if he can past the drug test.

Hopelessly overmatched Kongo was KO’d in 1:12 by Fighters.com’s  third-ranked heavyweight Frank Mir (13-4) at UFC 107 in Memphis December 12.

The same night, Buentello narrowly lost a majority decision to “SkySkraper” Stefan Struve (23-3).

A lot is on the line for both fighters.

Kongo has lost consecutive fights and is consistently disappointing when matched above the middle tier of the UFC.

Buentello just earned a spot back in the UFC’s heavyweight division and, with one loss already recorded, the UFC rarely holds onto a fighter with consecutive losses at the beginning of a contract.  A loss to Kongo could be Buentello’s pink slip back onto the open market.

Both fighters should be motivated to fight their A-games and, for both, that’s striking.  Buentello is a heavy-handed brawler with good footwork.  Kongo is a European-style kickboxer with viscious knees.

Gospel Radio: How is your training going?

Stefan Struve : Training went good. I heard I was fighting Paul after my last fight and started training a week after that fight once I got home.  So, I feel even better for this fight than for my last one.

GR: Tell our listeners where you train out of and who your coach is.

SS: I train out of the Netherlands in a town called Wormer, near Amsterdam. My coach is Bob Schrijber. He is a Dutch fighter that has fought a lot of fights in Japan and Europe. He is one of the biggest names in European MMA.

GR: You’re pretty tall at 6’11″. Can you think of any disadvantages you may have when it comes to being so tall?

SS: People ask me that a lot. I don’t have any disadvantages because of my height. I am a pretty athletic guy you know. When your not as athletic as I am, you can have trouble with your height but I have no trouble at all.

GR: I know it is also probably an advantage when it comes to the ground game.

SS: You need to learn how to deal with it you know. You need to learn to use it an advantage and I think I am doing pretty good so far.

GR: I saw your fight with Yuji Sakuragi in M-1 and the way you setup that triangle, I don’t think a guy with shorter legs could have done that.

SS: Yeah, it is difficult but it was a pretty straight move that he didn’t expect and those long legs really help with triangles. You can lock it up way quicker than anybody else. It’s a good thing.

GR: You are only 21 years old, you have already had over 20 MMA fights, do you feel having so many fights at such a young age has been a positive and do you no longer have that same nervousness  prior to a fight that you may have had when you first began?

SS: I have been fighting since I was 16 years old. It’s normal for me. I am not that nervous before fights. you learn how to deal with it better every time. I am feeling good, looking forward to Saturday and ready to rock.

GR: In you fight with Junior Dos Santos we saw you got rocked, you kind of disputed the stoppage a little bit, is that a rematch you would like to have?

SS: Yeah, I would love to have a rematch for sure. Junior is a really good fighter, but I don’t think I have shown yet in the UFC what I can do on my feet. We are working on that and getting my stand up better every time but yeah, a rematch would be great.

GR: Do you think you underestimated his power a little bit?

SS: I didn’t underestimate him. I thought he was a really good fighter. I think it was the UFC jitters, just learning how to deal with fighting in the UFC. I basically didn’t know what to do when I got in the cage and that’s it.

GR: You are a striker. You have studied kick boxing which was your intro into the sport but a lot of your victories have been by choke with a bunch of submissions on your record. How is your striking game coming as opposed to your submission game? Do you think one is a little bit ahead of the other?

SS: I am finishing a lot of fights by submission, you know, but that is because until Junior no one really wanted to stand up with me because of my height, my reach and my kickboxing. If someone takes me down I know how to get into a good position to finish the fight.

GR:  You are fighting Paul Buentello this Saturday at UFC 107. He is a great striker that’s has been around a long time , a veteran in the sport. Do you expect him to goad you into a slug fest?

SS: No, Paul is more of a technical and a clean striker. He likes to show his jab and set something up with his jab. It will be difficult for him to do with me, but I am pretty curious as to what his game plan is because, if he wants to start jabbing with me he is not going to win the fight is what I think.

GR: Paul has been banned from AKA, which is where he had been training. Do you feel something like this will have an effect on this fight?

SS: Changing gyms can have an effect on your fight but Paul is an experienced fighter who has been in the game a long long time and I am sure he is in great shape and is ready to fight. I don’t think it will be a big factor for him

GR: Let’s change gears a bit, what do you do for fun when you are not fighting?

SS: I am 21 so I like to go out and have fun with my friends, go out on the weekends. I basically love all other sports as well, so when I am not training, I like to do other sports and playing Xbox

GR: Some women in the chat wanted to know if you are currently single?

SS: Yes I am.

GR: You train in a great camp in Holland but have you ever thought about coming to the US to train with one of the elite camps here?

SS: I am not going to leave here for sure. I love my home country, I love my friends and family and being around me when I am training. You can learn all kinds of stuff from everybody. I am training very hard in Holland right now with, in my opinion, one of the best stand up coaches in the world, so I don’t see why I wouldhave to move to improve my game. Maybe my wrestling, it is better in The States, but the rest, I am fine with Holland.

GR: When you get outside the U.S ., wrestling is not as big as it is here. Would you take the opportunity to train with a team here in the U.S. for a little bit to improve that aspect of your game?

SS: Yeah, I would love to go train with a good wrestling team for a couple of weeks.  It would probably improve my game, but I am primarily a striker and my ground game is primarily BJJ so that is my style. I don’t really need wrestling with my style, in my opinion. I don’t need to take people down. I like to stand and trade and, when someone takes me down, I know what to do.

GR: Another non fight related question. What is your favorite movie?

SS: Today I watched “Law Abiding Citizen” and that is a good movie.

GR: What is your weight like right now?

SS: When I came in on Monday I was 254, I think.

Gr: Wow!

SS: Yeah, I am getting bigger.

GR: If you win this fight, who would you like to see as your next opponent in the UFC?

SS: I am fine with anybody. I am not in a rush. I have all the time in the world. I could give the real tough guys in the division a good fight. I am not saying I would win those fights, but give me some time and I will be a top contender in a couple of years.

GR: We appreciate you coming on MMA Gospel Radio and good luck to you Saturday.

SS: Thanks for having me. It was my first radio interview here in, the states so it was fun.

GR: Any sponsors you want to thank before we go?

SS: Tokyo Five, Hyabusa.

At the young age of 14, Struve was introduced to the MMA world by his older brother, and was instantly drawn to the sport. After completing middle school Struve made the decision to train full time and dropped out of school; the decision seems to have paid off thus far. At 21 Struve sports a 22-3 record, his only loss in the UFC coming by way of TKO from Junior Dos Santos (9-1). Struve looks to defeat Buentello, solidifying his place in the UFC Heavyweight Division by taking out a proven veteran.

Also on the show today from Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter 10, Demico Rogers (4-0). Rogers, a stand out athlete in high school, got his Master Technician Certification from Wyo-Tech in Laramie Wyoming, and still holds a job as a Mercedes Benz Technician while he trains with Mark Messer at Ring Sports United. Although Rogers didn’t make it to The Ultimate Fighter Finale to win the UFC contract, he still looks to make his mark as a legit heavyweight in the MMA world.

Myrriah, from Tap That MMA and Velvet Industries, will also be stopping in to talk about her company and its growing popularity.

Join The Reverend Turk and Gary today on MMAGospel Radio for a great show on their first Wednesday broadcast. MMA Gospel Radio will air tonight from 7:30 – 9:30PM ET. Listen to the show or join in the live chat at www.blogtalkradio.com/mmagospel .

Buentello TKO’d “Baby Fedor” Kiril Sidelnikov (6-3) when the cageside doctor ended their fight at Affliction in Anaheim January 24.  Versus Duffee will be Buentello’s first fight in the Octagon since TKOing “El Peligro” Gilbert Aldana (6-2) at UFC 57 in Las Vegas in February 2006.

Duffee KO’d “Thrashing Machine” Tim Hague (8-2) in seven seconds at UFC 102 in Portland August 29, breaking the UFC record for fastest KO.

“We are working on it now,” a source inside “The Snowman’s” camp told Fighters.com Wednesday afternoon. Monson is excited about the possibility, Fighters.com’s source said.

Barnett has been denied a license to fight by the California State Athletic Commission after testing positive for “performance-enhancing substance,” according to Affliction Veep Tom Atencio in Sports Illustrated Wednesday morning.

Xtreme Couture middleweight “Phenom” Vitor Belfort‘s (17-8) camp has told several sources the one-time UFC heavyweight champion is willing to return to heavyweight to replace Barnett. He’s already scheduled to fight American Top Team’s Sengoku middleweight champion Jorge Santiago (21-7) at Trilogy. Belfort’s trainer, Shawn Tompkins, told Sports Illustrated making that fight would come down to money.

In response to a text message, management for heavyweight “Headhunter” Paul Buentello (27-9), also already on the card, replied to Fighters.com Wednesday afternoon, “Nothing yet.”

Also rumored, pro-wrestling convert “Dominator” Bobby Lashley (3-0) told Sherdog, “I don’t know if I would want [to fight Emelianenko] right now.”

In response to replacing injured Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion “Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem (27-10) versus “Vai Cavalo” Fabricio Werdum (11-4-1) in San Jose 15 August, manager of fifth-ranked “Grim” Brett Rogers (8-0), Mike Reilly, told Fighters.com Tuesday that Rogers was training for an October fight and wasn’t interested. Fighters.com doubts the rising talent would want to take a fight versus the world’s best over 205 pounds on 10-days notice.

Yvel will fight “Headhunter” Paul Buentello (27-9), who was originally scheduled to fight “Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia (24-5).

Buentello is coming off a third round TKO of “Baby Fedor” Kiril Sidellnikov (5-3) at Affliction’s Day of Reckoning in Anaheim 24 January.

“Babalu” Renato Sobral (29-8) will fight “The Law” Matt Lindland (21-5).

“Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (14-3) will fight “Janitor” Vladimir Matyushenko (21-3).

“Headhunter” Paul Buentello (26-9) will face “Baby Fedor” Kiril Sidelnikov (3-1).

“Machine” Mark Hominick (14-7) will face LC Davis (9-1).

“Thorobred” Jay Hieron (13-4) will fight Jason High (6-0).

Albert Rios (6-2) will face “Tigre” Antonio Duarte (7-1).

Brett Cooper will also fight, although no opponent was named.

The event is headlined by Fighters.com’s Heavyweight Champion “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (28-1) versus third-ranked “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-5).

A lightweight match between Chris Horodecki (12-1) and “The Upgrade” Dan Lauzon (10-2) was previously reported.

No opponents have yet been determined for seventh-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (19-5) and “Phenom” Vitor Belfort (16-8).

Sobral is fighting Bobby Southworth (9-4) Friday for the Strikeforce light heavyweight title.  He won a unanimous decision over “Iron” Mike Whitehead (22-6) at Affliction in July.

Lindland last fought in July, winning a unanimous decision over “Negao” Fabio Nascimento (16-8).

Nogueira and Matyushenko were originally scheduled to face off in October before Day of Reckoning was postponed.

Nogueira won his last match 1 November at Sengoku 6, defeating Moise Rimbon (12-8-2) in a unanimous decision.

Matyushenko will try to extend his win streak to nine.  His last victory came in April in the IFL when he TKO’d Jamal Patterson (4-2) in the second round.

Buentello defeated “Big Daddy” Gary Goodridge (23-19-1) via unanimous decision last week at Glory 10.

Sidelnikov, from Russia’s Red Devil Sports Club, TKO’d James Jack (3-2-1) in round one at the M-1 Challenge in September.

Hominick submitted Savant Young (1-2) with a second-round armbar at Affliction in July.

Davis KO’d Rafael Dias (12-5) in round three at the IFL’s April event.

Hieron won a unanimous decision over Chris Kennedy (6-6) in October.

High submitted Markhaile Wederbrun (4-3) in 45 seconds with a guillotine choke in June.

Rios last fought in November 2007.  He TKO’d Rafael Salomao (6-1) in round one.

Duarte submitted Gerardo Morales (0-2) with a third-round guillotine choke in May.

Cooper KO’d Dusty Arden (11-6-1) in round two in June.

Rogers TKO’d his last opponent, Jon Murphy (4-3), at 1:01 of the first round in May.

Buentello last fought at Affliction’s debut event in July, where he won a unanimous decision over “Big Daddy” Gary Goodridge (23-18-1).

Fighters.com interviewed Rogers in Minneapolis-St. Paul 25 September.  Rogers said then that he was waiting on a fight versus “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (3-1), but hoped to fight in November.

The Day of Reckoning broadcast will mark the beginning of a new deal between HDNet Fights and Affliction Entertainment.

HDNet Fights CEO Andrew Simon said, “This is the beginning of a long-term partnership with Affliction that encompasses live MMA, co-marketing and top fighters for the top weekly show in MMA — ‘Inside MMA’ on HDNet.”

According to the agreement, HDNet Fights will air ninety minutes of fights before the pay-per-view portion of Affliction’s events, similar to Fox Sports Net’s one-hour show before Affliction: Banned in July.

High last fought in June, submitting Markhaile Wedderburn (6-3) with a guillotine choke in 45 seconds.

Pyle fought at Affliction’s debut event in July, submitting JJ Ambrose (8-2) with a first-round rear naked choke.

Buentello also fought at that event, scoring a unanimous decision victory over “Big Daddy” Gary Goodridge (23-18-1).

Nelson, the IFL’s Heavyweight Champion, won his last fight by TKO’ing “Hillbilly Heartthrob” Brad Imes (11-5) in May.

Just thirty-six seconds to answer questions raised by Fighters.com about Emelianenko’s two-year hiatus from top competition.

At the bell, Sylvia exited his corner in an awkward, low crouch.

Obviously…Emelianenko wasted no time blasting Sylvia with a left, right hook combo, followed by an uppercut.

“I’ve never been hit that hard in my life,” said Sylvia after the fight.  “He’s not human.”

The “Maine-iac” dismantled to the mat; and, Emelianenko stuck in a rear naked choke that forced Sylvia to tap.

After the fight, the Russian was nonchalant, but not arrogant about his destruction of one of the world’s top heavyweights.

The victory cemented him as the top heavyweight in the world, the top pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world, and perhaps the greatest mixed martial artist ever.

How “Pitbull” Got His Bite Back

“Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (13-5) knocked out “Big” Ben Rothwell (33-6) at 1:13 of round three with a straight right, right uppercut combo.

Rothwell twirled gracefully to the mat as the referee waved off the fight, a classic between the heavyweights.

Rothwell kept it competitive, but Arlovski beat-up “Big” Ben with flurries of devastating striking that caused blood to ooze from every orifice in Rothwell’s head by the end of round two.

Babyface Avenger

“Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (26-5) avenged his 2001 knockout loss to “Rock” Pedro Rizzo (16-8) with a KO of his own at 1:44 of round two.

Barnett kept Rizzo at bay throughout the fight with a long teep and even landed a spin kick to Rizzo’s midsection in the first round.

In the second round, Barnett bounced an overhand right off Rizzo’s noggin and followed with a left hook  that laid Rizzo out.

When asked if he wanted to fight one of the fighters in the main events, Barnett responded, “They’re all bad asses, but they ain’t me.”

Li’l Nog’, Big Knockout

High kick, leg kick, spin kick, “Bam Bam” Edwin Dewees (35-13) even threw a quasi-drop kick from the corner of the ring at “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (14-3); but, it was knees in the Thai clinch and a big left hook from Nogueira that counted.

Nogueira TKO’d Dewees at 4:06 of round one after that left hook dropped “Bam Bam” through the ropes.

“My left one very hard,” Nogueira told the crowd after the fight.

Dewees fought aggressively in his light heavyweight debut; but, Li’l Nog’ avoided Dewees’s wide array of kicks and stalked him into the corner for the TKO “W”.

Nogueira wrapped Dewees in a Thai clinch and hammered knees into his midsection before slamming left and right hooks into Dewees’s head.

Belfort Goes Kaboom!

“Phenom” Vitor Belfort (17-8) knocked Terry Martin (17-6) cold with a straight lead punch at 3:12 of round two in Belfort’s debut at middleweight.

The match-up was always just inches from a slug fest as Martin stalked with a 1-2 combo and Belfort retreated and swung his lead hook, neither fighter connecting much.

In round two, Belfort closed with a flying knee that Martin scooped for a takedown attempt.

Belfort defended, finding a bit of space before launching a right uppercut that lifted Martin’s chin for an on-the-butto straight down the pipe.

Martin nearly folded forward before momentum left him dazed against the ropes.

After the fight, Belfort said of his new 185-pound physique, “It feels so fast!”

Ambrose Steps Into “Quicksand”

Welterweight JJ Ambrose (8-2) stepped into “Quicksand” when he opened round one of his fight with Xtreme Couture’s Mike Pyle (17-5-1) by clinching in the corner.

Pyle manhandled Ambrose to the mat, mounted him, and softened him up with punches until Ambrose surrendered the inevitable rear naked choke at 2:51.

“I was looking for the submission,” Pyle said after the tapout.  “Anyone can get lucky and knock someone out, but you can’t get lucky and submit someone.”

Hominick Taps Young

“Machine” Mark Hominick (16-8) fumbled with a leg triangle in the second round versus “Savant” Trenell Young (9-8) and got dumped on his head for it.

But, Hominick got a second chance and transitioned from a leg triangle to an armbar for the tapout “W” at 4:25 of round two.

“The Law” Comes To Bear On “Negao”

About the time I finished the sentence, “Nasciemento looks like he’s caught in the headlights,” middleweight “The Law” Matt Lindland (21-5) dropped “Negao” Fabio Nasciemento (8-4) with a left hook in the first round and pounced into a guillotine choke.

“I was thinking about something Dean Lister told me, ‘Never squeeze so hard that you burn your arms out,’” said Lindland after the fight.

Nasciemento spent the next minute-and-a-half wriggling free, only to take a whipping with Lindland inside his guard drilling elbows.

A brawl broke out in the second round.

Both fighters traded elbows, uppercuts, and hard hooks from close range with, surprisingly,  Nasciemento getting the best of the exchange until Lindland slammed him into a corner and resumed the G’n'P whipping that started in the first.

Both fighters were gassed throughout a sloppy round three in which much was thrown, but not much landed cleanly.

Lindland shot, depositing Nasciemento through the ropes where Nasciemento’s head hit the judges table in a loud “Donk!”

The decision was unanimous for Lindland by scores 30-27 twice and 30-26.

Buentello Takes Easy UD

In a fight sometimes as sloppy as its making, “Headhunter” Paul Buentello (26-10) won a UD over late replacement “Big Daddy” Gary Goodridge (23-18-1) by scores of 30-27 times three.

The first session paced like a brisk spar as the big boys took each other’s pulse.

Goodridge whittled away with a leg kick while Buentello cranked a jab.

Three times Goodridge clammed-up at the knuckle end of Buentello’s jab; and, Buentello closed to clinch, but couldn’t solve Goodridge’s defense, eventually backing off.

The fight heated up in the second round with Goodridge wheeling haymakers; but, Buentello steadily cranked his jab.

This round, Buentello chipped at Goodridge’s skull with his elbow in the clinch.

Goodridge grabbed for a single-leg takedown at the ropes; but, Buentello turned him into the corner and backed out.

Buentello loaded-up a couple of heavy shots that staggered Goodridge to end the round.

In the third round, Buentello busted Goodridge’s mouth with a lead straight.  Goodridge backpedalled; and, Buentello closed with a flying knee.

Buentello put in a solid effort to end the fight with some hard overhands; but, when “Daddy” wouldn’t go quietly, Buentello settled for the decision victory.

“Babalu” Wins Battle of Attrition

Is “battle of attrition” the literary term for “boring fight”?

If so, the first two rounds between “Babalu” Rento Sobral (30-7) and Mike Whitehead (23-7) were a battle of attrition; but, I wouldn’t even bother downloading them.

Fast-forward to round three and “Babalu” pieced together enough action to win a UD by 30-27 three times.

You can give the first two rounds to “Babalu” if you want.  Somebody had to win them; but, Fighters.com agrees with the “W” for Sobral based on round three.

Sobral sunk three guillotines in the round.  Unfortunately two of them were as Whitehead tackled him through the ropes and Whitehead defended the third choke attempt.

Sobral also connected with a front kick and a spinning hook kick to Whitehead’s jaw.

A spent Sobral confied after the fight, “I’m getting old.”

Whitehead admitted, “I couldn’t put it all together.”

“Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (13-5) def. “Big” Ben Rothwell (33-6) via KO, 1:13 of round three.

“Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (26-5) def. Pedro Rizzo (16-8) via KO, 1:44 of round two.

“The Machine” Mark Hominick (16-8) def. Savant Young (9-8) via submission (armbar), 4:25 of round two.

“Babalu” Renato Sobral (30-7) def. Mike Whitehead (23-7) via unanimous decision (30-27; 30-27; 30-27)

“The Law” Matt Lindland (21-5) def. Fabio Negao (8-4) via unanimous decision (30-26; 30-27; 30-27).

“Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (14-3) def. “Babyface” Edwin Dewees (35-13) via TKO, 4:06 of round one.

“Quicksand” Mike Pyle (17-5-1) def. JJ Ambrose (8-2) via submission (rear naked choke), 2:51 of round one.

“The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (17-8) def. Terry Martin (17-5) via KO, 3:12 of round two.

“Head Hunter” Paul Buentello (26-10) def. “Big Daddy” Gary Goodridge (23-18-1) via unanimous decision (30-27; 30-27; 30-27).

MMA and kickboxing veteran “Big Daddy” Goodridge (23-17-1) will replace Fighters.com’s ninth-ranked heavyweight Aleksander Emelianenko(13-3) Saturday night in Anaheim, east of Los Angeles, versus “Headhunter” Paul Buentello (25-10) on Affliction’s debut card.

Besides managing “Big Daddy”, Rusich and Goodridge are friends and Rusich had invited Goodridge to Anaheim to attend the Affliction event.

“Last time [Goodridge] was in town he was on Inside MMA and he just happened to have his medicals done in case a fight came up,” Rusich told Fighters.com.

Friday night, a fight came up!

As the weigh-in in which Emelianenko and Buentello didn’t appear came to a close, an Affliction official told Rusich, “Don’t go anywhere.  I might have something for you.”

A little bit later, Rusich’s cell phone rang and Goodridge was asked to replace Emelianenko for “a very fair purse.”

Goodridge and Buentello will weigh-in before the event Saturday morning.

A source in Buentello’s entourage cited “medical issues” as the excuse given to them by Affliction officials.

Spokesperson for Emelianenko, Ilona Kolesnichenko told Fighters.com, “Emelianenko  did not meet CSAC licensing standards.  There is nothing about medical issues!”

“We were all lined up [to weigh-in],” Buentello explained to Fighters.com.  “He even waved to me.”

On stage just before Emelianenko was to take the scale, Affliction VP Tom Atencio was visably frustrated and talking hard-and-fast down the curtained walkway to the platform.

After several tense moments, Emelianenko and Buentello were simply skipped and no official announcement was made to the crowd or media.

“I was ready.  The California State Athletic Commission said I couldn’t weigh-in because it would make the fight official,” Buentello said.

Even Emelianenko’s translator, who sat next to Fighters.com, seemed confused.  When announcer Michael Buffer brought the weigh-ins to a close, she shouted to the stage, “What about Aleks?!  What about Aleks!?”

Emelianenko was spotted by Fighters.com with his wife before the weigh-ins.  The crowd cheered and Emelianenko smiled and waved to his fans briefly before returning to the lockeroom at the Honda Center.

Buentello told Fighters.com he wanted a replacement opponent.  “I trained hard,” he confided.

Check back!  Fighters.com will post video of the weigh-ins later today

There were a couple of shakers this month, but no movers.

In London 7 June, seventh-ranked “Vai Cavalo” Fabricio Werdum (11-3-1) played a samba on “The Truth” Brandon Vera‘s (8-2) noggin for a first round TKO.

Werdum remains the top contender to “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira‘s (31-4-1) UFC Heavyweight Championship.

Of course, Big Nog’ is pitted versus struggling, but dangerous former UFC Champion Frank Mir (11-3) in a made-for-TUF match-up in October.

Werdum will probably draw the winner of 9 August’s eighth-ranked “Texas Crazy Horse” Heath Herring (28-13) versus Brock Lesnar (1-1) fight, maybe on the same October UFC card to build the follow-up versus the winners.

Also in action this rankings period, tenth-ranked “Napao” Gabriel Gonzaga (8-3) blew through confidence-booster Justin McCully (8-4-2) in Las Vegas 5 July to break a two-fight losing streak for the man who sentenced “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (23-6-2) down a spiral the Croatian has yet to ascend from.

This weekend in Anaheim, east of Los Angeles, Affliction will twist the heavyweight Rubik’s cube and a lot of colorful riddles will turn black-and-white.

With bated breath, the MMA world awaits the answer to biggest mystery in the division:  How good is sixth-ranked “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (27-1)?

Many rank the Russian tops, but even his minions struggle like “Techno Goliath” Hong Man Choi (1-1) in an armbar to defend Emelianenko’s two-year dearth of top competition.

Will third-ranked “Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia (24-4) shake his history of choking in the face of the big challenges?  Sylvia has always fought tougher as an underdog…

On the same card, fourth-ranked “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (12-5) and “Big” Ben Rothwell (29-5) have heavyweight questions to face-up to.

Can Arlovski regain his pre-Sylvia KO tenacity that earned him the nickname “Pitbull”; or, is he comfortable fighting “Dragon” Lyoto Machida (13-0) for the title of “MMA’s Most Elusive”?

Is Rothwell “Big” enough for the top ten?

Also, fifth-ranked “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (21-5) will try to avenge a vicious 2001 knockout to “Rock” Pedro Rizzo (16-7) and earn a fight versus the winner of Sylvia/Emelianenko.

Finally, ninth-ranked Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3) will slug it out with “Headhunter” Paul Buentello (25-10) on the undercard’s main event, possibly the most exciting fight of the night.

Fighters.com will be live in Anaheim Saturday for the biggest heavyweight MMA card in history.  Get the true scoop as it happens right here.

The odd man out is legally-challenged top contender “The Natural” Randy Couture (16-8), who could lose his top contender status this weekend if Emelianenko beats Sylvia by stoppage.

July Heavyweight Rankings

1. “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-4-1)

It ain’t pretty! Nogueira has turned “blocking punches with your face” into a winning strategy versus top teners Sylvia, Herring, Barnett, and Werdum in the last two years, earning him the Fighters.com Heavyweight Championship.

2. “The Natural” Randy Couture (16-8)

The best strategist in a weight class of brutes returned to solve the 6’8″ riddle of Sylvia over five grueling rounds to reclaim UFC’s title, then forced Cro Cop-slayer Gonzaga to wish MMA had timeouts in a bloody three-round TKO.

3. “Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia (24-4)

The oft maligned “Maine-iac” has meshed his stature with world-class striking, championship cardio, and a Jeff Monson-tested ground game. His losses are to legends Nogueira and Couture, but he’s failed to lay out ripe KO candidates Arlovski and Monson.

4. “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (12-5)

“Pitbull” has fought like a poodle since getting neutered by Sylvia in an ‘06 KO loss, but was able to steal a decision from Werdum in the most disappointing fight of ’07.  Perhaps free agency will reignite the once explosive fighter’s fire.

5. “The Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (21-5)

“The Babyface Assassin” returned to tap Hidehiko Yoshida and UD Jeff Monson and is the last man to beat Noguiera. He also holds a submission of hard-headed Mark Hunt in the last two years.

6. “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (27-1)

Rankings reflect what has happened in fights with a predilection towards the most recent and Emelianenko hasn’t fought another top ten heavyweight in 33 months.   He’ll take sixth and like it or take first by defeating Sylvia in July.

7. “Vai Cavalo” Fabricio Werdum (11-3-1)

“Vai Cavalo” spanked Gonzaga like a bad monkey in January, then played a samba on Brandon Vera‘s head in June.  Werdum is streaking into a rematch with Noguiera for the UFC and probably Fighters.com title.

8. “Texas Crazy Horse” Heath Herring (28-13)

Herring’s bungle versus Nogueira was beefed-up with a strong decision over Cheick Kongoin March.   Three losses to Nogueira stop-gaps a potential UFC title challenge, but the “Texas Crazy Horse” will fight an even bigger name in Brock Lesnar.

9. Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3)

Fedor’s li’l bro’ isn’t lost in the shadow of “The Last Emporer”. In the last two years, the man with the coldest stare down in MMA has outclassed his brother in competition, losing only to top ten heavies while TKOing fellow Russian Sergei Kharitonov.

10. “Napao” Gabriel Gonzaga (9-3)

After mauling Mirko Filipovic in Manchester, “Napao” risks becoming a footnote in MMA history with consecutive stoppage losses to Couture and Werdum.  The big man has the tools to remain top ten for years to come, but does he have the heart?

He assured that the fans are going to see two heavyweight slugging it out.

Fighters.com’s ninth-ranked heavyweight Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3) versus “The Head Hunter” Paul Buentello (25-10) will headline Affliction: Live, the one-hour telecast of Affliction: Banned’s undercard.

Also announced was the light heavyweight match-up between “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (16-8) and Terry Martin (17-4).

Belfort versus Martin replaces the originally-scheduled bout between “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (13-3) and “Tiger” Vernon White (26-32-2) on the FSN card.  White has since been replaced by “Babyface” Edwin Dewees (35-12; 1 NC).

AKA is home gym to Fighters.com’s top welterweight contenderJon Fitch(17-2), fourth-ranked “Kos” Josh Koscheck (10-2), lightweight “Punk” Josh Thomson (14-2), UFC heavyweights “Hungarian Nightmare” Christian Wellisch (8-4) and Cain Velasquez (3-0), Affliction heavyweight “Headhunter” Paul Buentello (25-10), and other professional fighters.

The two-hour session was led by drill sergeant  Koscheck, who instructed fighters in wrestling drills.

(Koscheck and Fitch requested not to be photographed; but, Fitch gave Fighters.com a video interview after he trained.)

Thomson donned a rubber suit and shook his money maker around the mat to drop five-and-a-half pounds to make the 155-pound limit he successfully reached later at the Strikeforce weigh-ins.

Former Bodog and UFC middleweight Trevor Prangley(17-5) must’ve weighed a solid 220-pounds and rolled most of the session with Velasquez.

Buentello stepped into the ring to work on his boxing in preparation for his 19 July fight with ninth-ranked heavyweight Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3).

Buentello tightened his combos and sured-up his “D” with AKA’s boxing coach.

Velasquez was the most intense fighter at AKA.  His mouth stayed shut, his gaze forward, and he took instruction from the vets while rolling with Prangley and Wellisch.

Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Bobby Southworth (8-5) shadow boxed in preparation for his Friday title defense versus “El Toro” Anthony Ruiz (20-10).

Wellisch grappled frantically with both Buentello and Velasquez, twisting the fellow heavyweights into his repertoire of submissions.

Through no fault of his own of course, Fighters.com’s Heavyweight Champion “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-4-1) won’t meet either threshold when he defends his UFC title versus Frank Mir (11-3).

So, what’s Fighters.com to do?  Second-ranked “The Natural” Randy Couture (16-8) admitted this week to Canada’s Globe and Mail, “I’m also OK with the idea that [I may not fight again].  I may get a bad [court] ruling and I can’t really see myself at this point going back and fighting two more times for the UFC if that’s what the state says I have to do.”

Should 19 July’s more competitive match-up between third-ranked “Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia (24-4) and sixth-ranked “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (27-1) be for Fighters.com’s Heavyweight Championship?

Both Sylvia and fourth-ranked “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (12-5) climbed two spots on fifth-ranked “The Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett‘s (22-5) inability to put away “The Snowman” Jeff Monson in Tokyo last month coupled with Barnett’s submission of ninth-ranked Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3) falling off his two-year record.

Of course, Arlovski officially announced today that he’ll fight top heavyweight prospect Ben Rothwell (29-5) 19 July.  Rothwell steps-in well-hyped from the IFL and Arlovski looks to shake out of his funk.

Barnett returns on the same undercard to seek revenge from a 2001 KO loss versus now largely irrelevant “The Rock” Pedro Rizzo (16-7) and Aleksander Emelianenko fights “The Headhunter” Paul Buentello (25-10) in my pick for fight of the night in Anaheim, outside of Los Angeles.

This weekend in London, seventh-ranked “Vai Cavalo” Fabricio Werdum (10-3-1) and returning prospect “The Truth” Brandon Vera (8-1) will battle for the UFC’s top contender spot.

Eighth-ranked “Texas Crazy Horse” Heath Herring (28-13) will fill-in for injured “Hammer” Mark Coleman (15-9) versus the UFC’s version of market-friendly “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (3-0), former pro-wrestler Brock Lesnar (1-1), in a fight that shouldn’t even be sanctioned, but only a big lug like Herring could find a way to lose.

In July, tenth-ranked “Napao” Gabriel Gonzaga (8-3) has a lot to prove versus Justin McCully (8-3-2); and, McCully might be thinking the same thing.

June Heavyweight Rankings

1. “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-4-1)

It ain’t pretty! Nogueira has turned “blocking punches with your face” into a winning strategy versus top teners Sylvia, Herring, Barnett, and Werdum in the last two years, earning him the Fighters.com Heavyweight Championship.

2. “The Natural” Randy Couture (16-8)

The best strategist in a weight class of brutes returned to solve the 6’8″ riddle of Sylvia over five grueling rounds to reclaim UFC’s title, then forced Cro Cop-slayer Gonzaga to wish MMA had timeouts in a bloody three-round TKO.

3. “Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia (24-4)

The oft maligned “Maine-iac” has meshed his stature with world-class striking, championship cardio, and a Jeff Monson-tested ground game. His losses are to legends Nogueira and Couture, but he’s failed to lay out ripe KO candidates Arlovski and Monson.

4. “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (12-5)

“Pitbull” has fought like a poodle since getting neutered by Sylvia in an ‘06 KO loss, but was able to steal a decision from Werdum in the most disappointing fight of ’07.  Perhaps free agency will reignite the once explosive fighter’s fire.

5. “The Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (22-5)

“The Babyface Assassin” returned to tap Hidehiko Yoshida and UD Jeff Monson and is the last man to beat Noguiera. He also holds a submission of hard-headed Mark Hunt in the last two years.

6. “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (27-1)

Rankings reflect what has happened in fights with a predilection towards the most recent and Emelianenko hasn’t fought another top ten heavyweight in 33 months.   He’ll take sixth and like it or take first by defeating Sylvia in July.

7. “Vai Cavalo” Fabricio Werdum (10-3-1)

“Vai Cavalo” spanked Gonzaga like a bad monkey in January, his fourth consecutive top ten matchup, going 2-2 with two stoppage wins.  He’s matched versus fellow UFC title contender Brandon Vera 7 June.

8. “Texas Crazy Horse” Heath Herring (28-13)

Herring’s bungle versus Nogueira was beefed-up with a strong decision over Cheick Kongo in March.   Three losses to Nogueira stop-gaps a potential UFC title challenge, but the “Texas Crazy Horse” will fight an even bigger name in Brock Lesnar.

9. Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3)

Fedor’s li’l bro’ isn’t lost in the shadow of “The Last Emperor”. In the last two years, the man with the coldest stare down in MMA has outclassed his brother in competition, losing only to top ten heavies while TKOing fellow Russian Sergei Kharitonov.

10. “Napao” Gabriel Gonzaga (8-3)

After mauling Mirko Filipovic in Manchester, “Napao” risks becoming a footnote in MMA history with consecutive stoppage losses to Couture and Werdum.  The big man has the tools to remain top ten for years to come, but does he have the heart?