http://sports.espn.go.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=3497163 This content is protected ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Fedor Emelianenko came to America looking to build his fan base, impress his critics and stamp his authority on the MMA heavyweight scene. With his 36-second destruction of Tim Sylvia at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., he did just that and more. Emelianenko's chilling performance will catapult him in the estimation of American mixed martial arts fans and may have some of them doubting whether Randy Couture could go the distance with him. The 45-year-old Couture, who was ringside at the fight, made it clear he wanted to fight the Russian phenom. "I have some issues to clear up," Couture said in reference to his contractual problems with the UFC, "but hopefully [we can fight] sometime this year if we are lucky." Emelianenko, who also made clear he wanted a crack at UFC heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, heaped praise on Couture. "Every fighter has his strengths and weaknesses; Randy just has a lot of strengths," he said. "It would be all about who took advantage of the other's mistake." If Emelianenko himself has any weaknesses, they certainly weren't on display in Anaheim. The 6-foot-8 Sylvia came to fight, but he never received the slightest chance to get started. The Russian pounced on him almost immediately, setting about his foe with ferocious intensity. The crowd was in awe of Emelianenko's speed and rose to its feet as his fists found a home on Sylvia's head. "I was amazed at how good Fedor was," Sylvia said after the fight. "He got off first and put me away. The guy was phenomenal, and I'm not even sure if he's human. He's a total stud." Emelianenko was not quite as hyperbolic about his showing but was clearly pleased with the victory. "I am very happy with my performance," he said. Emelianenko feels he's just now reaching his prime -- which is news for the rest of the heavyweight class. "I feel I am at my peak right now," he said. "I feel great. I'm confident that I will keep fighting for a long time." At a reasonably young 31, Emelianenko certainly has time on his side. Randy Couture, however, does not, and a deal must be made soon if we are to finally see who the best heavyweight on the planet is. If you're looking for clues as to who would emerge victorious in such a contest, a contrast of each man's victory over Tim Sylvia might be a good place to start. Couture was dominant in taking a decision over Sylvia, but Emelianenko was on a completely different planet. The quickness, versatility and instinct that Emelianenko showed would give Couture some serious problems, and it's difficult to find cracks in Emelianenko's armor. Sylvia isn't so sure there's a heavyweight out there who can beat an in-form Emelianenko. "I thought I was the man to beat him," Sylvia said at the news conference after the fight. "I don't see how anyone else can."
