UFC 174 ‘Johnson vs. Bagautinov’ Preview

Andrei Arlovski has not fought in the UFC in more than six years. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Heavyweight

Andrei Arlovski (21-10, 9-4 UFC) vs. Brendan Schaub (10-3, 6-3 UFC)

The Matchup: Do not let the experience factor fool you in this one. This fight will crown the world’s “chinniest” fighter. Both of these heavyweights are fast, agile, technical strikers with chins better-suited to absorb punches from those in much lighter weight classes. All joking aside, this fight should come down to each fighter’s ability to withstand damage. The man with the better chin wins.

Schaub is on a two-fight winning streak after finding himself unconscious on the canvas in his two previous fights. Arlovski, meanwhile, bounced back from a decision loss to Anthony Johnson with two wins of his own outside of the UFC. All of Schaub’s losses have come by knockout or technical knockout, while seven of Arlovski’s 10 defeats have resulted from the same.

Look for Schaub to try to get this fight to the ground -- a place where Arlovski does not seem to be spending as much time training. As for Arlovski, the former UFC champion will undoubtedly try to change levels and land his overhand right while Schaub tries to close the distance with his jab.

The Pick: Arlovski wins via TKO in the first or second round.

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