UFC Hamburg: Josh Barnett vs Andrei Arlovski -- Better Late Than Never!

The Andre Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett main event set for this weekend when the UFC makes its way to Hamburg, Germany offers up a mixed bag of emotions, depending on whom you ask. Ranging from apathy (both aging veterans coming off losses) to excitement (both are former UFC champions), this fight has had the UFC faithful talking nevertheless.

Andrei Arlovski in quite the Cinderella story made it as far as a title-contender matchup against Stipe Miocic earlier this year, after putting up a 4-fight win streak since his return to the UFC 2 years ago. However, he lost the aforementioned fight against Miocic in devastating fashion (1st round KO) and went on to suffer yet another TKO loss against teammate Alistair Overeem back in May, snuffing out hopes of getting back into the title picture anytime soon.

Josh Barnett on the other hand, has alternated between wins and losses since his return to the UFC in 2013 going 2-2 in his four fights in the cage. However, in his case, the talent has never been the question but it's whether the maverick 'Warmaster' has the needed motivation to pull himself into peak physical shape to make a serious run atop the ageing Heavyweight division in the UFC.

The matchup

The fight maybe a decade too late to happen in the UFC but it certainly is still relevant considering the lack of depth in the UFC's heavyweight division. Both men have had long careers and have been champions in different promotions, including the UFC, but surprisingly have never crossed paths with each other yet.

The nostalgia factor would be at an all-time high with Josh Barnett representing the heyday of PRIDE Fighting Championship against Arlovski, who was the man who ushered in the era of the athletic Heavyweights in the UFC. Barnett has long been regarded as among the most well-rounded heavyweights in the world and Arlovski's comeback story after nearly quitting following a 4-fight slide is stuff of legends.

Standing Up

With every fight starting on the feet, the game is pretty even on this front. Arlovski may have the advantage with regards to the punching power, but Barnett is no slouch on the feet with some crafty techniques and unique ability to fight effectively up close.

Barnett is also adept at switching stances and is the most diverse striker among the two, with kicks, punches, and knees in his arsenal. Arlovski however, though not the same athlete he was when he was the champion still has a piston of a right hand which if connects can shut the lights off of anyone.

That being said, Barnett still may have the edge if the feet remain standing.

On the ground

Just going on credentials alone, Josh Barnett easily comes out the winner in this department. A highly respected catch wrestler, Barnett is also among the best in the world at taking fights to the ground and submitting people from the top position. His guard game, however, hasn't been seen much because not many have the ability to take him down.

Arlovski, however, has never been submitted in his whole career and lest you forget made his start in MMA, being a decorated practitioner of Russian Sambo. However, he isn't known to try and take the fight to the ground and will be wise to not start that in his fight against Barnett.

Prediction

Despite his mixed bag of results of late, I still believe Josh Barnett to be among the best Heavyweight fighters in the world and see him get a win over a tough Andrei Arlovski in Hamburg, German this Saturday.

UFC Fight Night LIVE - Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett @ 12:30 AM on 4 September 2016 on SONY ESPN and SONY ESPN HD