Contract negotiations stall Arlovski's next fight As they say, timing is everything. Andrei Arlovski's isn't good. The big Belarusian is currently on the UFC sidelines because he has only one match left on his contract. As we know (see Brandon Vera), the UFC doesn't make key bouts with a fighter who could be on his way out of the organization. After talking with Joe Silva last weekend, that's actually a possibility. While the UFC matchmaker stopped short of saying the organization doesn't need the former heavyweight champ, comments such as "where else is he going to go" and the contract "has to make sense for us" send a clear message as to who has the upper hand in the ongoing negotiations. The UFC won't book Arlovski until the contract issue is resolved. Arlovski (11-5) wants a big payday. However, the harsh reality is he's a mediocre 2-2 in his last four and just hasn't been impressive since 2005. A year ago, the UFC couldn't afford to let Arlovski walk. Today, the heavyweight division has ample fire power, and doesn't need Arlovski to make big fights. Arlovski could look to EliteXC as an option. He'd be a huge "get" for that organization and instantly be the top dog. In the end, though, I believe "the Pitbull" will re-up with the UFC. But, it looks like he'll have to bend in the negotiations to make it happen. http://blogs.chron.com/fighting/2007/08/contract_negotiations_stall_ar.html This content is protected Fight Opinions Zach Arnold also has a good article on this situation: http://www.fightopinion.com/2007/08/27/ufc-plays-hardball-with-arlovski/ This content is protected
Arlovski is young, well-rounded, tough and well known. Sylvia, although he beat Arlovski twice, is very limited and isn't liked or marketable really. Couture, is old and may be on his way out after a few more.......we'll see. Nog is way past his best CroCop is a question mark right now Fedor is a question mark right now Vera is very talented, but untested really Mir has looked awful and may never return to his old self Gonzaga is good, and will continue to improve. So as you see, the UFC Hvyweight division looks deep right now, but the future of it is very much in question. Why would they want to lose one of their young, proven stars??????
They also have Werdum. But yeah, it would be a shame if AA left. I highly doubt he will though. This will get sorted out.
To be honest iv never really seen what all the big deal was about Arlovski.His got decent standup and ground skills but we rarely if ever see his ground game these days and his chin being what it is isnt really up for debate.
There was a time there for a while where he was a beast though. He has a good image, although tarnished now by his performances in the last 2 Sylvia fights. But if he gets his aggression back he can be a serious threat to anyone.
