While I don't really consider it a possibility, or even possible matchup at this point... It would really make many re-examine just how much better the former Pride HW's were, while they clearly had the edge, I personally think, and recent fights are showing it a little, that the disparity was not as great as it was made out to be. Also, while Sylvia deserves most of the criticism he gets for most of his recent fights, he did used to be a fairly exciting fighter. Also, their are alot worse HW's out there than Tim Sylvia, as much as he is disliked.
Well, really is hard to judge. Guys like Barnette are extremely good, no shame losing to him. His record shows some ups and downs, questions as to whether he can deal with the likes of some good strikers with defensive qualities like good sprawls. Crocop has a great sprawl but would be in deep **** on the ground, I think Randy has the advantage in this fight.. But really.. I'm starting to think Dana White is downplaying the importance of Barnette because it increases Randy's stock. I think this would actually be a great matchup, with Barnette having the size and skill to deal with Randy's aggression. Fedor, to me just has many advantages, striking, in the clinch would be interesting, but on the ground he has some great advantages.. I think we forget how explosive Fedor is with his wild striking. Once guys go defensive he just starts throwing. If guys arent wary of his striking he hits them, if they are overly wary, he does to them what he did to Crocop. He just seems to be a walking contingency.