Barnett makes history by handing Arlovski 1st submission loss
Josh Barnett toppled Andrei Arlovski on Saturday in a heavyweight battle that was 16 years in the making.
"The Warmaster" became the first fighter to submit Arlovski in the Belarusian's illustrious 39-fight career, when he secured a rear-naked choke in the third round of the main event of UFC Fight Night 93 in Hamburg, Germany.
'The Warmaster' gets the submission win at #UFCHamburg! Congrats @JoshLBarnett! https://t.co/EPplPbDFQr
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 3, 2016
A master of catch wrestling, Barnett recorded the 21st submission win of his career by methodically breaking Arlovski down on the ground. Barnett has alternated wins and losses in his past five contests since rejoining the UFC two years ago.
The two heavyweight legends got off to a fast start, with each man rocking the other just 30 seconds into the first round.
WELL LET'S JUST GET AFTER IT THEN!!!!!!! @AndreiArlovski and @JoshLBarnett wasting no time!! #UFCHamburg https://t.co/8vRJk2yorH
— #UFCHamburg (@ufc) September 3, 2016
Even when the action moved to the clinch, a finish loomed, as both fighters struggled to shake off the damage from their opening exchange. When they separated, Arlovski consistently out-struck Barnett, prompting his fellow veteran to close the distance with urgency.
Surprisingly, it was Arlovski who scored the first takedown with a slick trip. But when he repeated the maneuver in Round 2, Arlovski was promptly swept by Barnett and pinned down in a full mount. Barnett pounded away to close the round - a preview of what was to come in the third frame.
Arlovski w/ the takedown but Barnett reverses and gets full mount! #UFCHamburg https://t.co/nTTYVtf2kK
— #UFCHamburg (@ufc) September 3, 2016
A fading Arlovski went for another takedown, only to again be swept by Barnett. Another full mount led to Arlovski being bludgeoned with ground-and-pound. He was left with no choice but to give up his neck and tap out at the 2:53 mark of Round 3.
Post-fight, Barnett made sure to pay the proper respects to Arlovski. The two fighters actually made their Octagon debut together at UFC 28 on Nov. 17, 2000, though Saturday was the first time they competed against one another.
It's all about respect #UFCHamburg https://t.co/A0NYpy2wGv
— #UFCHamburg (@ufc) September 3, 2016
Barnett and Arlovski are both former UFC champions. Between the two of them, they have fought for almost every major MMA promotion.
Arlovski's 21st UFC appearance places him in third place on the all-time list of heavyweights, behind only Gabriel Gonzaga (22) and Frank Mir (27). He loses his third straight fight after putting together a four-fight winning streak in his second run with the UFC.