With all the hoopla about the possibility of Fedor facing Lesnar sometime in the future, I figured I'd watch some highlights and see what Fedor was all about. I've been trying to find some good matches with solid heavyweights, but so far I'm seeing nothing but fights with no-names and has-beens. I'm starting to wonder if his lauded 30-1 record might be full of shit wins over opponents who are new to the sport, have poor records, or are well past their primes.

For instance, his last ten fights

1. Andrei Arlovski - Not a great fighter. He's second-tier at best, and two of his losses are to Tim Sylvia, another sub-par fighter. Speaking of which...

2. Tim Sylvia - Never what I considered a great fighter to begin with, Sylvia has been fat and out of shape for his past 5 fights. He's 1-4 for those fights, btw.

3. Hong Man Choi - Who?

4. Matt Lindland - Old. And he normally fights at 185.

5. Mark Hunt - A 5-6 nobody who hasn't had a win in three years.

6. Mark Coleman - Another over-the-hill fighter. Regardless of Coleman's win at UFC 100, before that he was looking weak as hell and he's still not a young man.

7. Wagner "Zuluzinho" da Conceicao Martins - First of all, WHO? Second of all... yeah, who? Another no-name.

8. Cro Cop - Cro Crop is one of those overrated fighters who is good in one aspect of his game (striking) but can't fight a ground game to save his life.

9. Tsuyoshi Kohsaka - An over-the-hill, midget (he's 5'11") no-name.

10. Nogueira - Finally, a fighter with a name who isn't past his prime. Yet the win was a decision, and if Fedor can't finish Nog, what makes him think he's going to last against Lesnar?

I could be biased here, but I've been watching these fights and I'm unimpressed. Fedor seems to struggle against fighters with larger builds and strength, and he doesn't do as well from his back. He's a submission guy, but letting Lesnar take it to the ground is going to be the last thing he wants to do.

So, am I missing something? Are there some really insane wins Fedor has had over legitimate opponents?

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Did you watch all of those fights or? You have to take the time context of those fights into account. IE - When Fedor fought CroCop, he didn't need a ground game as his takedown defense in Pride was nearly as good as Machida's. You weren't a Pride watcher at all? I'd figured with all the discussion you'd be more than a UFC monkey fan ;P

I watched a few of his fights to try to get an idea. I did notice a few things (how quick he is, how fast and accurate his strikes are, but that he seems to struggle against stronger opponents a bit), but not all of his fights are easy to find.

And no, I don't watch Pride. I'm not a fan of MMA in regular boxing rings, it seems kind of sloppy to me. I prefer UFC, KotC, and others that use the octagon-style cage. I think it better fits the fighting style. I'm going to order Affliction on August 1st just to see Fedor fight, but I normally wouldn't bother.

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I'm telling you, the ring is where it's at as there's FAR more technician work to the grappling w/o the reinforced steel cage to benefit the bigger man. I'm not totally knocking the UFC, but you need to go back and watch the last few Pride Grand Prix.

Eh, it's just aesthetically displeasing. lol I'll give it another try, but I find it hard to get into. It's like trying to watch Arena Football when you're an NFL fan. Just doesn't feel right.

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Actually, you mean it's like watching Premier League after spending years watching MLS

I have no idea what that means, but sure. lol

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It's like watching badass soccer where a 0-0 game can be awesome due to the artistry involved with controlling the ball with one's feet instead of watching shitty soccer with 9 good people in the entire league and the games are 0-0 because the players suck and not because the game is well-played on both ends.

That's what he means.

So, you're saying that UFC has shitty fights? I'd have to completely disagree, if that's the case.

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I was using hyperbole. I think it's more like he was saying people who fight in the ring (like in PRIDE) are generally more 'skilled' than people who mix it up in the Octagon. Or something...

During the Pride prime, UFC couldn't really hold a candle to the caliber of fights they were putting up. It's a different story since the inception of the Ultimate Fighter, as the cards have genuinely improved. I mean, while watching Crocop knockout Wanderlei and Josh Barnett in the SAME night, you had UFC putting up Tito vs. Ken III. Yeah.

I can't imagine what benefit a boxing ring brings to grapping...I guess I'd have to watch. It sounds more like a pain in the ass and a way for people to fall out of the ring.

It's definitely a pain in the ass having to move the fighters when they are in the ropes.

The Future of Fedor

Makes it sound like he's dumb if he doesn't jump to UFC soon after his 8/1 bout.

Wrong. He doesn't want to sign away WORLDwide likeness rights, which the UFC forces you to do. The ONLY exception made to this rule thus far, has been Mirko Crocop and Kimbo Slice (and only for the duration of TUF).

Won't everyone?

In a way, it would be a dumb decision.

A fighter has only so many years in them before they can no longer fight. So, to prepare for their future, they need to make as much money as they can while they're still viable names. Fedor turns 33 in a couple of months. The clock is ticking on him, and the UFC is the best place for him to make as much money as he can, especially with the hype surrounding a potential match between him and Lesnar.

Fedor can conceivably fight another 10 years in low-key bouts and earn a living. Hell, Pat Miletich was 40 when he beat my brother-in-law in December, but the fight wasn't a big deal, and neither of them made a huge amount of money out of it. Fedor needs to go where the money is now. Doing otherwise just to protect his rights to a "brand" name that is going to expire in a few years anyways is a poor decision.

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Update: Fedor-Barnett Bout in Jeopardy

Doesn't sound likely, but I'd like to see Bobby Lashley in there.

I think it's in Lashley's best interests to not jump into a major bout like that. Lesnar did and suffered his only loss because of it. Lashley's been smart and taking a slower route to the top.

And Lashley just signed with TNA Wrestling, so it's unlikely he's going to be able to fight in MMA now, unless they have a clause in his contract to allow it.

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I'm guessing his role in TNA will just be a "run in and do shit" role and not a wrestler role.

Confirmed: Barnett Out of Fedor Fight

I'll withhold judgement until I see the replacement. Sucks Barnett is out though.

It'll be Vitor Belfort.

Vitor could have been the man. Not sure what happened to him back in the day.

Overhyped and overworked. He was fighting in Brazil as well and was honestly cutting WAY too much weight too often.

Well, so much for that. Affliction is dead with Trilogy cancelled.

He obviously needs to fight Kimbo to save the company.

Damn, that sucks. I was going to order it even without Barnett, just to see Fedor fight.

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Yeah, folks on Sherdog are saying that Barnett "kimboed" the company. Had me cracking up pretty good.

Funny, if a little fucked up. Barnett screwed the company by using a banned substance. EliteXC screwed themselves by putting an untested "big name" in against a nobody. I don't blame Kimbo for that, the guy was just going where the money was.

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Fedor open to UFC talks. What the hell else is he gonna do? Bring on Fedor/Brock.

Fedor needs to fight someone like Mir first. Rushing him straight into fighting Lesnar would be a waste. Build it up a little, give Lesnar another opponent like Carwin (or another shot with Couture) and then bring on Fedor (assuming he doesn't lose to a name fighter that's not past his prime).

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I agree. Have Lesnar/Couture II and have Fedor/Someone other than Mir on the same card. The winners face off. That way, if Couture manages to beat Lesnar (which I doubt), you'd still have a Couture/Fedor match.

I thought Fedor was supposed to be a boatload better than Lesnar.

generally speaking, he is. but that's my "fedor fanboy" self talking. lesnar could whip fedor's ass, but i doubt it.

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World of Warcraft: Kallaystra, Gweila, Steakumn, Tarathia [ Feathermoon/Horde ]

I have no doubt that Fedor is the better fighter. However, I also have no doubt that Lesnar would beat the shit out of him. Lesnar's size, strength, and speed make up for his lack of experience. I think out of 10 fights, Lesnar wins 7.

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Or, to put it another way, out of twice as many fights as he's currently fought. Ever. Versus a guy who's dominated the division for many years.

Eh, I've already expressed my opinion on that "domination." There's not a fighter on that list of people Fedor has beat that could win against Lesnar. I don't think there's one on that list that would even give him a workout. Yet Lesnar has beat two guys now that I think would give Fedor a tough fight, both of whom Fedor has never faced.

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Found a pretty entertaining video with Fedor highlights and Joe Rogan talking him up. NSFW

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so yeah, I'm impressed, and not willing at all to just give it to Brock.

Finally did some homework on Fedor and I couldn't disagree with you more Tyral. I think Fedor would end up winning via submission. Fedor seems to be too much of an all around fighter for Brock to handle.

Regardless, it's a fight I want to see even more now. The UFC has got to sign him, even if it's just a 2-3 fight deal.

Good lord, if Fedor is 6'6, how big was that one Asian guy?

Choi Hong-man stands 2.18 m (7 ft 2 in)

Hey, if they sign the fight, I'm happy to put a friendly wager on it.

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Are you SERIOUSLY comparing fight lists using Lesnar's record? That's fucking retarded. Until Lesnar, UFC had ZERO heavyweight division. Couture dominated because there was no one else to fight. UFC was known for quality LHW and WW and not much else. I just don't see how you can even remotely compare the two /shrug.

As for a fight between them, I think Lesnar would really push him with his power, but let's not pretend it's something altogether entirely new for someone with Fedor's experience. Lesnar is powerful, but he's not technical, he's a fairly weak striker (comparatively) and vulnerable to submission against an experienced grappler. Lesner has never faced someone with the world class sambo championship experience that Fedor has.

So, let's run down the strengths and weaknesses of each. Tell me if you agree and feel free to add to the list. I'm certain we'll agree on a lot of this, but I'd like to see what your thoughts are.

Fedor
Strengths:
1. All-around fighter
2. Technically sound; excellent submission grappler
3. Has knock-out power
4. Very experienced
5. Patient
6. Fast

Weaknesses
1. Doesn't kick well
2. Has some difficulties against larger/stronger opponents
3. Not as familiar with fighting in the octagon

Lesnar
Strengths:
1. Excellent wrestler
2. Good takedowns and ability to pass the guard
3. Fast
4. Very strong; probably the strongest fighter in MMA now
5. Quick study; adjusts well to an opponent

Weaknesses:
1. Not experienced
2. Needs a great deal more submission and submission defense training
3. Impatient, tends to charge
4. Not a stand-up fighter

Thoughts?

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So Lesnar kicks well, doesn't have difficulties against larger/stronger opponents, and is familiar with fighting in the Octagon due to all of his fights?

Lesnar does kick and use knees, something I've not really seen Fedor do (but I've only seen highlights and a handful of full fights). Lesnar hasn't fought a larger opponent, but he owned Herring who isn't a small guy. And yes, at this point he's familiar with the octagon (I like how you capitalize it, though, that's cute).

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So, #2 is most definitely inaccurate. He closes distance well and his speed allows him to stay within reach of stronger opponents with little consequence.(see: Crocrop, they went the distance).

And #3 is absolutely true. The cage is an entirely different animal. (see: Crocop again heh)

As for Lesnar's ability to pass guard, the only problem I have with this is that he's WIDE open to a sweep should an opponent choose to do so. Mir wanted to stay on his back to attempt his submissions as he rarely does so from the top. Fedor is equally to submit from the mount once his opponent turns as he is from his back, and will often attempt the sweep to do so.

Fedor looked not nearly as sharp in his last fight as he had looked in fights of old. Either way it will be a good fight when it happens. Right now I think the fight of the day will be B.J. Penn vs. Kenny Florian. I'm looking for Penn to get beaten badly. Should make my day.

Didn't see that fight, but I'll look for it. In other matches with big guys, he tends to get wrapped and thrown around a lot. Granted, he's patient with it and finds his moment, but against someone like Lesnar you can't allow yourself to get tossed around too much or you'll end up getting your neck broken.

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I dunno, fedor's landed on the back of his head plenty of times and it just seems to piss him off. He got suplexed pretty hard a few times and it didn't bother him.

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World of Warcraft: Kallaystra, Gweila, Steakumn, Tarathia [ Feathermoon/Horde ]

Yeah, I should add "Durable" to his list of strengths. That guy took a wicked suplex from Kevin Randleman and got up like it wasn't shit.

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Personally I think the cage thing was just an excuse for Crocop.

Getting a foot to the face from stumpy Gonzaga isn't the cage's fault.

Let's be fair. That happened because Gonzaga was already mauling him. I don't think he even saw that coming. I view that knockout the same way I do the Randleman knockout of him, total freak shot.

The Kongo fight on the other hand is a VERY good example of not being prepared for the cage. There's a HUGE difference between the chain and the ropes, especially if you've ever watched how he stalks and retreats. But hey, his fault for not being prepped.

I dunno, on the slow mo replays it looks like Crocop just misjuged the height of the kick. Looks like he's trying to block a body kick and gets it right in the head.

Beside the point though I guess. I never liked him all that much to begin with.

Much like Silva did when he was LHK'd into oblivion vs Crocop due to reduced vision. I'm not making excuses for the cat, I'm just pointing out how different the Octagon really is in terms of strategy.

Sherdog interviews Fedor's manager.

Supposedly Fedor will not be signing with the UFC after all.

I can't say I'm surprised. While he'd have made a ton of money in the deal, it's the only thing he has to gain from it and he's made it clear he doesn't care about the money. He's already considered the best heavyweight in the world. Why go to the UFC and give them a chance to prove that wrong?

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EA Sports.

Why take Dana up on his offer for millions when he has nothing to prove, when he can take EAs and make millions to put his likeness in their upcoming MMA titles.