ST. LOUIS -- This is the Strikeforce live blog for Andrei Arlovski vs. Antonio Silva, a heavyweight bout on tonight's Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery card.Arlovski looks to end a two-fight losing streak and show that he is a more disciplined fighter. Silva is coming off a loss to Fabricio Werdum that left him at least a couple of fights away from a title shot.
The live blog is below.
Round 1: Sharp leg kicks from both fighters, and right away they're trading leather in the center of the cage. This one doesn't figure to last long at this pace. A good jab from Arlovski finds its mark, but moments later Silva counters with a hard hook to test Arlovski's chin. Arlovski's face is already showing the effects of trading with the big Brazilian. A straight punch from Silva snaps Arlovski's head back and Silva forces a clinch against the fence. Silva tosses Arlovski to the mat with a single-leg, the ease of which does not bode well for the Belarussian. Arlovski gets back to his feet just before the bell. MMA Fighting scores the round for Silva, 10-9.
Round 2: Arlovski tries to feint his way in against Silva and he takes a kick to the body for his efforts. Very little head movement from either man right now, just standing toe-to-toe and swinging away. Silva seems to be getting the better of the exchanges at the moment. The Brazilian shoots for a takedown and gets stuffed. The pace has slowed way down now, with Silva controlling where the fight takes place. Arlovski wings a right hand that just misses, then jabs at Silva's body. Silva returns to the clinch and catches Arlovski with a hard right on the break. Arlovski's face is bloodied as the round ends. MMA Fighting scores the round for Silva, 10-9.
Round 3: Arlovski looks quicker and fresher to start the third, and he stings Silva with a good jab right away. Silva returns to his comfort zone in the clinch, but it seems more like a way for him to rest than an actual strategy at the moment. After the break Silva lands a good one-two combo that pushes Arlovski back. Arlovski finally decides to put his kicks to good use midway through the round, but again Silva responds by going to the clinch, this time tripping Arlovski to the mat. Arlovski gets back to his feet and Big John separates them with less than a minute to go. Silva apes for the crowd, perhaps trying to draw Arlovski in. Andrei has one last right hand in him before the bell, but it comes up short. The look on his face doesn't seem like that of a man who thinks he won. MMA Fighting scores the round for Arlovski, 10-9.
Antonio Silva def. Andrei Arlovski via unanimous decision.
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