Analysis
Emelianenko unloaded with punches and hurt Sylvia immediately, then put him down to the mat. Almost immediately, he got Sylvia’s back and choked him out. This may prove to be one of the pivotal moments in North American MMA history. Whether Emelianenko has or hasn’t been able to draw in the past, this performance against a two-time UFC heavyweight champion solidifies his standing as the best heavyweight in the sport. Most important, this show set up Josh Barnett and Andrei Arlovski to go along with Randy Couture as challengers for Emelianenko, in matches which would be far bigger than this. After the match, they brought Randy Couture into the ring and teased the idea of it being the next big match, and Emelianenko talked about wanting the fight himself. The fight is dependent on a favorable court ruling for Couture in a contract dispute with UFC.
Post-fight Interview - Tim Sylvia

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