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How is the UFC HW division thin? I don't keep up w/ UFC as much as I used to but what about guys like Crocop(SP?), Arlevski, all the big Russian guys? Have they gone to another organization? Norgera is the man, I've always admired his heart and courage. I saw him submit Bob Sapp once like it was nothing.
Arlovski and Cro Cop are still there...however there are issues with both right now. From a talent standpoint, it's not so thin, but when you break down the things playing out right now then it is.
1) Arlovski fights at UFC 82, but it is the last fight on his contract. No one knows yet what will happen. In fact the UFC is seemingly so "scared" that this might be his last fight in the UFC that he isn't even on the main card, he's on the undercard. I guess they don't want to give him free press is the rumor. Now, if he wins in convincing fashion and does indeed sign with the UFC (which is where I think he wants to be), then that is a big saving grace for the UFC and he would be one of the next 2 in line for the title.
2) As for Cro Cop, he's lost 2 straight and looked very bad in both. While every real fan knows he is talented, it's hard to justify him being anywhere above the middle of the pack at the moment.
3) Sylvia just lost two of three fights. Yes, they were to great fighters, but now what? Hard to justify giving him anywhere near an immediate shot, just because the fans hate him. Herring lost to Nog, so they can't just set him up for the title right away.
4) Gonzaga, who everyone thought was the next big thing, has been stopped in his last 2 fights. When you consider the defining win of his career was against Cro Cop, who Kongo just destroyed, then things don't look that good for GG.
5) That leaves who? Nog, Werdum, and Kongo? Those are the current fighters who are winning (except Arlovski), and even Werdum only has 1 win in a row. 1. That's not even a streak.
IMHO the heavyweight division is certainly talented and no one would argue against the fact that they have some definite top 10 and top 5 talent. But the problem is they are eating each other alive and each time someone looks impressive a new person who has looked unimpressive comes in and beats them. It's just a vicious cycle right now. If they can get Couture back (unlikely it appears) and resign Arlovski if he wins, then there are some great matchups down the road. Until then, the matchups might be lacking.
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