Hey Fellas. Opinion on Sergei Kharitonov vs Andre Arlovski?

sirchadwick1 · 01-09-11, 10:22 PM

I like Sergei here at EVEN or better. He's a shell of his former self, but has gotten in better shape and as you said he does still have KO power. AA likes to stand and bang and his fight IQ has not been the best as of late. I could see Arlovski looking sharp in this fight through the first round or two only to get KO'd in the 3rd.

jin2daj · 01-09-11, 11:22 PM

i think arlovski knows this hw tourn is his chance at redemption. he will fight smart.

whether thats enough to win though is another matter.

lasker · 01-10-11, 12:27 AM

As the odds indicate, it's a very difficult matchup to call. You are right of course that Arlovski's chin is a factor and Kharitonov has serious KO power. But at the same time, Kharitonov has looked out of shape lately and looked terrible in his K1 TKO loss to Singh Jadeep (who is not known for his power). Arlovski has better head movement, better movement in general, and he throws more combinations than Kharitonov so he doesn't have to rely as much on one-punch KO power. I also think he is the more motivated of the two -- Arlovski's last three fights were all losses to three fighters who are all in this tournament, and I have heard him express his desire to fight them again (especially Fedor) while Kharitonov has not fought much for the last few years and just doesn't seem as motivated or in shape. On the other hand, after three successive losses you have to wonder about Arlovski's confidence and mental state on fight night. I can't call it and probably won't be betting either way unless there are props offered. If Arlovski gets out of the first round I think he'll win by late stoppage or decision, but it could just as easily end with Kharitonov by KO in round 1.

Poppa Catfish · 01-10-11, 12:57 AM

lasker summed up exactly how I feel about this fight, I think if the fight goes past the 3rd minute in round 1 that it will very likely be boring decision for Arlovski. I think its something like 45% chance of this happening (these numbers are pulled from my ass) and 45% of the time Arlovski is stopped in the first round, with the other 10% being Arlovski stopping Sergei late into the fight.

I doubt very much I will bet this match, but I guess I could be suckered in if there is a juicy prop for the fight to go the distance.

Squareguy · 01-10-11, 01:22 AM

If you have seen Kharitonov lately, he is looking VERY slow.

Looking back at Andre's last fight, he was a bit hesitant about engaging, and it cost him the decision.

If Andre's head isn't in this one, he's going to get knocked out. If he sticks to a strict game plan and uses his boxing, he's going to pick Khar apart.

bogbat · 01-10-11, 02:06 AM

There's too many unknowns in this match up.

Jordan23 · 01-10-11, 02:48 AM

Originally posted by bogbat

There's too many unknowns in this match up.

Very true. But I'm pulling for AA!

koscheckbaby · 01-13-11, 10:47 PM

Thanks guys. I'll go small on Sergei. I still can't resist his KO power versus Andre's chin.

Varker · 01-14-11, 12:42 AM

i'll be rooting for arlovski

jin2daj · 01-14-11, 05:15 AM

arlovskis fiht iq will not be a factor. he knows where he currently stands and this tourny is an easy ticket back to the top.

illmatick · 01-14-11, 05:24 AM

arlovski for me, just waiting to see how far the line drops.

sirchadwick1 · 01-14-11, 09:56 AM

I don't know how anyone could bet on AA right now. He used to be a beast, but fell from grace fast. He has been KO'd in 2 of his last 3 and Bigfoot made him look like he forgot how to box. If Arlovski would take this to the ground, he'd have a good shot to win. But that AA is no more. Sergei will win the standup battle here. I'm only worried about him gassing... but I trust his hands to land on the glass.