Affliction’s second MMA event revolved around the headlining bout: a return to action by the top-ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, in a long awaited matchup with former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski. The main event was scheduled to be a five-round title bout, with Fedor’s dubious WAMMA title belt on the line. The remainder of the card was filled with names familiar to most long time MMA fans, including Josh Barnett taking on Gilbert Yvel in a matchup that was touted to produce the next challenger to the winner of the Emelianenko-Arlovski bout. Also of note was the presence of Tito Ortiz, in the role of a color commentator.
The broadcast began with a bout that had a last-minute substitution, as Bobby Green stepped in on a day’s notice to replace the injured Chris Horodecki:
Bobby Green vs. Dan Lauzon (155 lbs)
A little-known fighter, Bobby Green had a chance to make a big impression in this bout, but came out with mixed results. Green took the fight to the more experienced Lauzon, winning the striking exchanges and scrambling well on takedown attempts. However an errant kick to the groin caused a halt to the action. Lauzon took his time to recover – and the foul was repeated two more times in the round: first a knee then a glancing kick both landing to the groin area. Two points were deducted from Green by the ref Herb Dean after the third low blow, and the fans grew restless watching Lauzon massage his injured crotch for the third time. Green did not use any kicks or knees after the final restart to avoid a disqualification. After a scramble Lauzon was finally able to achieve a dominant position on the ground, and took Green’s back sinking in a rear naked choke. Green tapped out with only seconds left in the round.
Fight Grade: 5 3/5 2 point deduction for the low blows
Paul Buentello vs. Kiril Sidelnikov (HW)
The young Russian Kiril Sidelnikov is a training partner and protege of Fedor Emelianenko, and is sometimes labeled as ‘Baby Fedor’. There are certainly some similarities between the two fighters – from Sidelnikov’s build and stature to his fight stance and propensity for throwing looping hooks. Unfortunately for Kiril, that was where the comparison ended as the small heavyweight was picked apart by the larger and much more experienced Paul Buentello. Buentello worked his jabs and right uppercuts for all three rounds, and the punishment wore on Sidelnikov, who did not have an answer for Buentello save for a few scattered flurries. The punishment absorbed caused Sidelnikov to wobble and spit out his mouthguard twice in the third round. After the second occasion, the ringside doctor took one look at Kiril and called the fight of, giving Buentello a TKO win.
Fight Grade: 3.5/5
Renato Sobral vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (205 lbs)
This lightheavyweight bout demonstrated why the ring is not an optimal arena for an MMA bout, as Sokoudjou became stuck underneath the ropes several times, causing a restart in the middle of the ring. After a competitive first round that was mostly a struggle for top position, Rameau began to tire out in the second, allowing Sobral to control him on the ground. Sobral worked for an anaconda choke and eventually secured it, forcing a tapout. The win moves ‘Babalu’ into the lightheavyweight Top 10, while Sokoudjou’s once promising career seems to be going through a heavy sophomore slump.
Fight Grade: 3/5
Vitor Belfort vs. Matt Lindland (185 lbs)
In another bout between two UFC veterans, Belfort dropped Lindland with an early flurry then knocked him out cold with two huge punches on the ground. Lindland took quite a bit of time to come to – a very bad knockout.
Fight Grade: 4/5
Josh Barnett vs. Gilbert Yvel (HW)
This fight was being billed as the number one contender bout for the WAMMA title, held by the winner of the night’s main event. The Pride FC veteran Yvel, who has a reputation as a dirty fighter, was on his best behavior and did not commit any fouls. He was also unable to stop Barnett’s takedown or guard pass, and spent most of the fight mounted by Barnett and fighting off strikes and kimura attempts. After a flurry of punches from Barnett towards the end of the third round, still-mounted Yvel decided that he had enough and taps out.
Fight Grade: 2/5
Champion Fedor Emelianenko vs. Andrei Arlovski (HW title bout)
The challenger Andrei Arlovski was having some luck against the champion early in the fight, connecting with leg kicks and jabs while evading most of Emelianenko’s punches. After a punch combination followed by a body kick sent Fedor reeling against the ropes, Arlovski went for the kill with a flying knee – and was swatted out of mid-air by a huge looping right hand from Fedor! Arlovski was out before he hit the mat, landing squarely on his face.
Fight Grade: 5/5
After the fight, Fedor is asked about taking on Josh Barnett next. Emelianenko is very non-committal, stating only that he and Josh are friends. An exciting main even to conclude a solid night of fights.