Who in their right mind would argue that Mirko Cro Cop belongs in the top 5 heavyweight fighters in the world? Well, I'll also put him in the top 5 all around fighters in the world.
Now that Mirko has joined the UFC it's clear that Tim Silvia's days as champion are numbered. Mirko will hold the UFC heavyweight title in 2007, I'd put money on that one. Mirko's strength is most absolutely his striking, including the best high kicks in the business. Victim's of Cro Cop's left high kick is a list of MMA royalty...I wonder if he can get that kick 6 foot 7 (Tim Silvia's height).
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira makes my list as the fourth most excellent fighter in the world. He lately defeated Josh Barnett in a decision. I've never seen Nog get badly beaten in a fight, although Fedor surely had his number.
He's probably been the most reliable heavyweight in the world over the last 5 years, a tough submission master who also strikes well and has a solid chin. He's beaten names like Mirko Cro Cop, Josh Barnett, Bob Sapp and almost every other heavyweight worth mentioning (with the exception of Fedor).
Chuck Liddell comes in at number three, the third most excellent MMA fighter in the world. Nobody on the planet can dispute that Chucks fists have dynamite in them. He has unbelievable knock out power, but he is so much better than that.
Even the most excellent ground game fighters in the world (Tito, Babalu, Randy) have been unable to take Chuck to the ground and keep him there. Randy did it, but that was three years and a lot of fights ago. The only fighter to beat Chuck without being beaten in return is Quintin Rampage Jackson, expect to see that rematch in late 2007 or early 2008
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