Strikeforce Heavyweight GP bout: Andrei Arlovski vs. Sergei Kharitonov
Odds: (-105 Arlovski /-125 Kharitonov )
Betting Pick: KHARITONOV
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In the first official fight of Strikeforce’s much-touted Heavyweight Grand Prix, two dynamic strikers will face off as former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski squares off with skilled Russian PRIDE veteran Sergei Kharitonov. Both of these guys have great striking, so this has the makings of an exciting standup affair. The question is whether Arlovski’s superior firepower will be enough to trump Kharitonov’s more well-rounded and technical game or if Kharitonov can use his superior technique to exploit Arlovski’s glass jaw.
Kharitonov is a long-time veteran of the sport who, despite his relatively low profile in the United States, has fought many of the best Heavyweights of his time. Despite his high level of competition, he has put together an impressive 17-4 record that includes a knockout win over multiple-time K-1 Grand Prix winner Semmy Schilt, another knockout win over K-1 and Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem, and a win over former UFC champ Pedro Rizzo. Clearly, Kharitonov’s striking is formidable, but he also has excellent judo throws from the clinch and has won as many of his fights by submission as he has by knockout. That ability to finish a fight both standing and on the ground, coupled with his experience and toughness, make him an extremely formidable opponent.
Andrei Arlovski, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, is one of the most dangerous strikers in the division. He has ridiculous handspeed, accuracy, and power, and can pile on punishment extremely fast. He also has very underrated throws from the clinch and submissions. Despite all that, he is on a three fight losing streak right now, and the blame lies firmly on his glass jaw. Arlovski’s problem has always been that he is a glass cannon. He can dole out punishment with the best of them, but he can’t take a solid shot to the jaw without lapsing into a coma.
This is a nightmare fight for Arlovski. These guys have very similar styles, the only difference is that Kharitonov is better at everything basically and has a much better chin. I don’t think this will be a very long fight. Both guys will be looking to trade, and Kharitonov has more than enough power to exploit Arlovski’s chin. Kharitonov by T/KO.
Prediction: Sergei Kharitonov via second round T/KO.
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