Nelson doesn’t look like a high level fighter, but he is double tough and can pack a wallop. Arlovski has a height and reach advantage, and his handspeed is off the charts compared to ‘Big Country’. And here comes Arlovski–word on the streets is that Fedor will be fighting Josh Barnett in January which is probably the better matchup but may not be as marketable as Fedor vs. AA. “Onward to Victory” by Icepick brings Arlovski to the cage–easily the better conditioned fighter of the two as AA is always in sick shape. If he can keep it standing up and make it more of a boxing match it’ll be his fight. Surprisingly the reach of the two fighters is the same despite a 4″ height advantage for Andrei. Nelson introduced first–one of his two losses are to Ben Rothwell, whom AA beat at Affliction: Banned. AA with the vampire fang mouthguard and we’re set to go…

ROUND ONE:

Tito Ortiz at cageside–latest rumor is that he may end up signing with EliteXC. We’re under way and the fighters touch gloves. AA using a couple of low kicks but Nelson bulls him to the cage wall and goes for the takedown. AA with the trip and Big Country ends up in half guard. AA’s biggest problem at this point is Nelson’s weight–not sure what Nelson’s trying to do at this point. He tries for an armlock but AA escapes for now. Nelson holding AA down with his big gut but AA explodes out trying to push him away with upkicks. Nelson gets back on top–he’s trying to work the arm again. The big guy has surprisingly good BJJ skills but the boos from the crowd suggest that the ref will stand it up. AA trying to re-establish distance but Nelson bulls him to the cage again. HUGE knee by AA from the clinch and that may have hurt Nelson. Nelson still trying for the takedown but the ref telling them to improve his position as AA throws in some knees to keep him honest. The ref is going to move it to the middle again. Nice combination of punches and kicks by AA–AA using the low kick and doing a better job with his spacing now. Nelson bulls AA to the cage again and the round may end this way. Nelson using a lot of energy–tough round to score with AA doing the most damage but Nelson controlling most of the action. We’ll go with AA 10-9.

ROUND TWO:

Tito may be signing a deal with EliteXC b/c they’re the only ones willing to give him some equity in the promotion. Everyone else wants to pay him to fight, but apparently Tito things he deserves more than that. Round two begins with AA scoring with a couple of jabs and then Nelson lands a big left hook that rocks AA. Nelson tired and now AA opening a barrage of punches and kicks that hurt Nelson. Big knee to Nelsons gut and AA now using his opponent as a speed bag–Nelson a tough dude but a combination that’s too fast to see floors Nelson for good. AA shows a lot of class as usual immediately checking on his opponent before celebrating. Nice win for “The Pit Bull” and Nelson showed a lot of toughness in the loss….

ANDREI ARLOVSKI WINS BY TKO