BLOG: Fedor floors Arlovski at 'Reckoning'

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- 11:26 p.m. -- For the first time since 2005, the top two heavyweights in mixed martial arts meet when World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts champion Fedor Emelianenko puts his title up against former UFC champ Andrei Arlovski at the Honda Center.

Much has been made of Emelianenko, the 32-year-old Russian who has reigned atop the sport's heavyweight division since dethroning Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in 2003. Unbeaten in his last 25 fights, Fedor is a unique in the division: Small, quick yet plenty of stopping power and a full complement of submissions.

Far and away the most athletic challenger Fedor has faced since out-pointing then-second-ranked Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic in Tokyo, Arlovski should be fast and agile enough to give the champion problems. Rare is the challenger who could match Emelianenko's movement and ability to close the distance.

With boxing trainer Freddie Roach in his corner, Arlovski worked extensively in the gym to challenge Emelianenko from the outside -- a smart move considering his height and reach advantages. If Arlovski, unbeaten in his last five, can do what no one else has done and control the distance against Emelianenko, he finds himself with a real shot at winning.

Fighting out of Chicago by way of Minsk, Belarus, Arlovski came in a svelte 237 pounds compared to the Russian's typical 230. He'll be fast, but will it be fast enough?

11:28 -- A few notes before the main event:

• UFC interim heavyweight champion Frank Mir is watching the evening's action alongside UFC matchmaker Joe Silva.

• Vitor Belfort looks like a force at 185 pounds. After stopping Terry Martin cold in his middleweight debut last July, "The Phenom" landed six of seven punches against Matt Lindland before letting up and walking away as the Oregonian lie unconscious along the ropes 37 seconds after the opening bell.

• As Josh Barnett and Gilbert Yvel prepared to meet in the co-feature, 13,225 fans are in the building, according to promoters. It took a while to fill up. The nosebleeds are packed and, outside of a few rows placed sporadically throughout the lower bowl, the venue looks full.

Heading into the third round, Barnett was well up on the cards. He controlled Yvel on the floor, passing to mount and working much of the first and second periods from the dominant position. But give Yvel credit. He's survived and even managed to bloody Barnett's nose with punches from the bottom. By the final round, however, the onslaught was too much for the wild Dutchman, and he tapped to strikes at 3:05 of the third. Barnett is guaranteed to face tonight's main event winner, Fedor or Arlovski.

11:31 -- Playing on his Belarusian roots and American ties, Arlovski walks to the ring accompanied by a double-sided flag. The crowd is clearly on the side of Emelianenko, who slowly makes his way through the arena to a somber Russian ballad.

11:34 -- Anyone with a camera -- and that's everyone these days -- is fixated on Emelianenko as Vaseline is applied to his face. Stoic. Quiet. Whatever. Emelianekno is intimidating. Both heavyweights bouncing around in their respective corners. How fitting: Given the stature of the fight, tonight's action is overseen by iconic MMA referee "Big" John McCarthy.

11:36 -- Nice ovation for the challenger. Emelianekno, his eyes fixated on his feet, sways back and forth in his corner. Listening as his accomplishments are rattled, there is no emotion. Just an 180-degree wave of the hand to his adoring fans, raucous in anticipation.

11:38 -- No eye contact from Emelianenko as McCarthy delivers final instructions. And the bell tolls for Round 1.

11:39 -- Quick hands from Arlovski. Fedor with some early trouble finding the distances. He wants to close, but so far has not found what he wants. From the early exhanges, Arlovski won't ignore Fedor's legs he's coming with low kicks and connecting with his hands. the challenger is sharp.

11:40 -- They're clinched in Arlovski's corner. The opening two minutes could not have gone better to settle Arlovski. No matter what happens the rest of the way, Fedor is not in for an easy time.

11:41 -- McCarthy separates the pair and Arlovski is bouncing in front of the Russian. He's firing shots. The Russian looks in trouble. BAM! Fedor lands a huge overhand right that sends Arlovski face first to the canvas. Out cold. Done.

11:45 -- Arlovski was jumping in for a knee and Fedor countered perfect. Overhand right to the jaw. Goodnight. Talk about an ending that will propel Emelianenko's mystique and mythology to a new plane. Unreal! Fedor Emelianenko retains his WAMMA heavyweight belt -- and the title of the best heavyweight in MMA history; and, some will argue, a place alone as the sport's best fighter -- at 3:14 of Round 1.

11:48 -- Perhaps that punch would have knocked out anyone on the planet. Tough to say. But Arlovski's major weakness heading into the fight was definitely his chin. And while Emelianenko didn't look terrific -- he was battered to the legs and could not find the distance against the speed and footwork of his challenger -- it was his accuracy proved to be the difference.

MORE ON AFFLICTION

GROSS: Fedor faces criticism, despite KO victory

VIDEO: One punch fells Arlovski

RECAP: Fedor KOs, Barnett earns title shot at Affliction

PAYROLL: Affliction shells out more than $3.3M in fighter salaries

LOOKING BACK: Arlovski reflects on tough loss

CONTROVERSY: Did Affliction pay the 'Golden Boy' $5M?