Pride aftermath Rizzo vs. Kharinotov
Jun 27, 2005 20:09:38 GMT -5
Post by DUCE on Jun 27, 2005 20:09:38 GMT -5
-from sherdog-
Is Kharitonov a Machine or Rizzo Overrated?
The first bout on the card placed the new Russian sensation Sergei Kharinotov against former UFC top contender Pedro Rizzo. Now this was Kharinotov seventh fight inside PRIDE and he’s quickly climbing the ranks of popularity among Japanese fans. He got a huge reaction from the crowd, while Rizzo received the usual “welcome to Japan” treatment from the audience.
Kharinotov only needed two minutes to brutalize Rizzo with strikes while Rizzo looked slow, out of shape and without rhythm. I think the biggest mistake on Rizzo’s part was taking two years off just to step inside the ring against a top fighter in his comeback. Meanwhile, Kharinotov is just getting better and better with each fight, especially with his striking.
Quite interesting is the fact that Kharinotov told the Japanese media after his brutal knockout of Murilo Rua back at PRIDE Total Elimination 2004 that he doesn’t like striking and he would rather consider himself a grappler. Kharinotov is likely in the running for a title shot against the winner of Mirko Filipovic and Fedor Emelianenko, or probably a rematch with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to determinate who become the new No. 1 contender.
Is Kharitonov a Machine or Rizzo Overrated?
The first bout on the card placed the new Russian sensation Sergei Kharinotov against former UFC top contender Pedro Rizzo. Now this was Kharinotov seventh fight inside PRIDE and he’s quickly climbing the ranks of popularity among Japanese fans. He got a huge reaction from the crowd, while Rizzo received the usual “welcome to Japan” treatment from the audience.
Kharinotov only needed two minutes to brutalize Rizzo with strikes while Rizzo looked slow, out of shape and without rhythm. I think the biggest mistake on Rizzo’s part was taking two years off just to step inside the ring against a top fighter in his comeback. Meanwhile, Kharinotov is just getting better and better with each fight, especially with his striking.
Quite interesting is the fact that Kharinotov told the Japanese media after his brutal knockout of Murilo Rua back at PRIDE Total Elimination 2004 that he doesn’t like striking and he would rather consider himself a grappler. Kharinotov is likely in the running for a title shot against the winner of Mirko Filipovic and Fedor Emelianenko, or probably a rematch with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to determinate who become the new No. 1 contender.
