Monday 15 September 2014 12:32, UK
Former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski signalled that he is still a threat at the elite level in his second UFC stint with a quick knockout of Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva.
The Belarussian fighter, associated with a previous generation of competitors and his title win nine years ago, followed up a drab points win over Brendan Schaub with this far more explosive performance in Fight Night in Brasilia, Brazil.
The 35-year-old veteran of 34 fights immediately looked far quicker and more technical in the opening exchanges in Silva’s hometown. A right hook sent Silva crashing backwards almost in slow motion and Arlovski finished the job on the ground with the bout waved off at 2:59 of the opening round.
It was Arlovski’s eighth knockout in the UFC and truly justified his return to the organisation having spent six years competing around the world. Ranked 14th, he was a heavy underdog heading into the territory of the No 4 ranked Silva.
In a week’s time, fellow heavyweights Mark Hunt and Roy Nelson do battle to further shake up the division which awaits the championship encounter between Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum in November.
