If Andrei Arlovski is going to make one last stab at another run at the heavyweight title, a victory this weekend is a must.
Arlovski comes up against Shamil Abdurakhimov on Saturday night and ‘The Pitbull’ has been busy promoting the UFC’s first-ever card in Russia.
Arlovski, who hails from Belarus, will be in enemy territory against the Dagestani native and it looks like Russia is already attempting to throw Arlovski off his game.
The 39-year-old stormed out of the studio after an appearance on a Russian TV show went awry this week.
Arlovski didn’t take kindly to the fact that his brutal knockout defeat to Alistair Overeem was being highlighted on the programme.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=29&v=6rJXL-5pceY
“We are live, right?” Arlovski asked as he stood up (via MMA_Russia). “OK, let’s just stop this interview. You are rooting only for the Russian fighters. Thank you, goodbye.”
Arlovski might be ranked higher than his upcoming opponent but Abdurakhimov remains a slight favourite going into the heavyweight clash.
The winner will likely be rewarded with a spot in the top 10 of the heavyweight division.
Back in 2005, Arlovski was the world champion at heavyweight but has had mixed fortunes in recent years.
After winning six on the bounce between 2013 and 2015, ‘The Pitbull’ then lost five in a row before going 2-1 in the last 12 months.
