Which leads us to the fight. When a Pitbull takes on a Babyface Assassin. Got to love it, no?

Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett at Affliction: Day of Reckoning

Josh "The Babyface Assassin" Barnett brings a 23-5 overall MMA record into this bout with five (T)KO's and 14 submission victories to his credit. In sum, he's a big and strong heavyweight fighter with elite jiu- jitsu and submission skills. Beyond that, he's also a very strong wrestler - a catch wrestler, if you will- and possesses underrated and very solid striking.

In other words, there's a reason why he knocked out Pedro Rizzo at Affliction: Banned and lost by knockout to him at UFC 30. His stand up is a lot better these days.

When you think of Barnett, it's really hard to come up with a big time weakness. Is he a great striker? No. But he's not a weak striker by any means. Speaking of great strikers, that's a good lead in to the man he's taking on.

Andrei "Pitbull" Arlovski brings a 13-5 overall MMA record with nine (T)KO's and three submission victories to his credit into this bout. Simply put, Arlovski may utilize his hands and pure boxing skills better than anyone else in the heavyweight division, especially now that he's been working with Freddie Roach. Beyond that, his power and athleticism is near legendary, having knocked people out before while lying on his back with punches.

In other words, Andrei Arlovski is an excellent athlete with awesome stand up and power.

Arlovski also has strong Sambo skills, which make it hard for people to take him down and keep him there. What's more, he's good enough with submissions-ala his first fight against Tim Sylvia-to submit people if they're not careful.

But his ground skills would seem to be a relative weakness, particularly against a guy like Josh Barnett.

Josh Barnett vs. Andrei Arlovski Prediction

We're not going to go on record-not yet, at least-with a decided winner. It's simply too early in the game. That said, as improved as Josh Barnett is on his feet, his opponent would seem to have the stuff to hurt him there. On the flip side, as hard as it is to get Arlovski down it would seem that Barnett could have the antidote. What's more, if he does get the Pitbull down, it will likely spell trouble for the Russian fighter.

A grappler vs. striker match up, though not nearly that simple.

Looking forward to seeing how it plays out.

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