Heavyweight 3-8-09

Rank

Fighter

Comments

1.

Fedor Emelianenko

Of course he's human; being boxed around by Andrei Arlovski at "Day of Reckoning" certainly proved that. But he hasn't lost the ability to capitalize on the smallest mistake from his opponent and ferociously tear out a victory. So unless you plan on pitching a perfect game, don't bother getting in the ring with him.

2.

Josh Barnett

His inability to finish Gilbert Yvel from the mount didn't inspire much confidence. But maybe his size and unstoppable wrestling will cause problems for The Last Emperor (assuming they get to fight). Or maybe he'll get iced standing like everyone else Fedor has faced lately...

3.

Frank Mir

It's crazy to think that two years ago, Mir was being completely written off. Now he's one win away from being the UFC's undisputed heavyweight champion again, following stoppage wins over Antoni Hardonk, Brock Lesnar, and Antonio Rodrigo Minotauro Motherfucking Nogueira. Mir's title unification rematch with Lesnar will go down in July. Could he be on the verge of the greatest career comeback in MMA history?

4.

Andrei Arlovski

 

5.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Nothing lasts forever — not even the ability to absorb inhuman amounts of damage. If Nogueira hopes to continue competing at the highest level, he'll have to start learning how to avoid damage. A new focus on striking wouldn't hurt either. (Hey, it worked for Frank Mir.)

6.

Brock Lesnar

 

7.

Randy Couture

 

8.

Alistair Overeem

Speaking of great career comebacks (see Frank Mir), how 'bout this Demolition Man? Though Overeem was always a tough competitor in PRIDE, he really came into his own as an elite heavyweight last year, subbing Mark Hunt in just over a minute, owning Mirko Filipovic (at least until that unfortunate stoppage due to testicular trauma), then beating the living crap out of Badr Hari, who was supposed to be the most dangerous heavyweight striker in the world. 2009 could be Alistair's year.

9.

Shane Carwin

Yes, Shane Carwin is officially "the real deal." His UFC 96 fight against Gabriel Gonzaga proved three things. 1) He responds well to pressure. 2) Even his short punches have lethal power. 3) His incredible ability to finish fights within the first two minutes doesn't just apply to overfed cans. Bring on the best in the league, because Carwin's now one of them.

10.

Tim Sylvia

 

See previous rankings (published January 25, 2009)