Former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski’s improbable rise back to the top of the heavyweight division came to an abrupt halt on Saturday when third ranked Stipe Miocic knocked out the 36-year-old in the UFC 195 co-main event.
The two heavy-handed finishers met in the center of the cage and touched gloves before squaring up with each other. Arlovski landed first with a leg kick. Miocic inched forward looking for an opening. He landed an uppercut on the inside that got the former titleholder’s attention.
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During an exchange, Miocic stunned Arlovski with a short right hand. Arlovski tried to cover up, but Miocic wasn’t going to let the Belarusian off the hook. Stipe landed a combination that knocked Arlovski down. He following “The Pit Bull” to the canvas and finished with a series of left hands before referee Herb Dean intervened. The fight lasted 54 seconds.
Following the win, Miocic screamed at UFC president Dana White through the octagon fence. “I want my title shot,” he said.
Arlovski was ranked second in the heavyweight division before the knockout loss to Miocic. Champion Fabricio Werdum faces former titleholder Cain Velasquez in a rematch on Feb. 6 at UFC 196. The win over Arlvoski puts Miocic the clear-cut top contender in the heavyweight division.
“You are unquestionably next in line after the winner of Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez,” said commentator Joe Rogan during the post-fight interview. “I can’t imagine any other scenario unless you get hit by a meteor.”
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