This would actually be mutually advantageous. Shane needs to bounce back, and preferably against a name. He doesn't want to take a backward step - and this would be more or less a lateral move from his pre-Lesnar competition. Even though Sylvia looked soft and average in beating Mariusz Pudzianowski, his name is still a glittering addition to any resume - especially one that's still establishing itself and trying to remain in the conversation as one of the top in the division. Tim, for his part, desperately wants back in the big time - and would probably jump at the chance to return to the UFC HW title scene, even as a big underdog against a dangerous young bruiser. He left the UFC on good terms, and with the goal of landing Fedor. That ultimately didn't work out so well for him, so what's left to accomplish except to come home and make some big paydays, and perhaps score some upsets in the twilight of his career (perhaps even a title shot)? How does it play out? Tim still has a pretty good chin, Mercer KO notwithstanding (my money says Ray punches harder than just about any active MMA heavyweight except maybe Fedor) - can his size and experience carry him through long enough to exploit Carwin's stamina issues, assuming he himself is motivated enough to get back in shape? :think
This is the best fight for carwin style wise since sylvia loves to strike. I really want to see arlovski back in the ufc. I think arlovski is a bigger threat just cuz his a better striker than sylvia but weak ass chin.
Arlovski has good boxing but with his chin I think he's lost confidence in his boxing too. Being a good boxer is one thing but you have to have the confidence to stand in range etc Sylvia is riding a 2 fight win streak with the Pudz win having a little bit of worth to it. I think SF need to snap up Sylvia and make him hit the 265 limit for some credibility. They could put him in with Arlovski again, Big Foot, Rogers etc Maybe give him 1 more average fight to increase his credibility before sacrificing him to a bigger name to increase their credibility.
Sylvia would be an underdog but he'd have a better chance with Carwin than Arlovski, since he could potentially survive the early onslaught and drag Carwin into lactic acidosis waters. Andrei will crumble under the first hit, good boxing or no.
Sylvia actually has a style I think would work well against Carwin. Not saying he'd win, but if I was Sylvia it's the sort of fight I would be chomping at the bit to get.
i somehow see carwin ontop of sylvia pounding the crap out of him and then slyvia isnt moving anymore then as per timz last wishes i see a bon fire in the middle of the octogon and the lightz are dimned and they cremate old timmy in one of those paramedic chairz with everyone holding their lighters in the dark while carwin is having a nervous break down but dont quote me it waz just a feeling
Does he necessarily need to get caught in order to lose, or just gas? Tim's nowhere near the wrestler Brock is, but we saw what happens when someone who isn't smaller than Carwin mauls him in the clinch or on the ground. He doesn't fare so well, and Tim has plenty tricks up his sleeve to avoid "the big Kaibosh" after so long in the game.