[warrant]

Top ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures) will fight Tim Sylvia (Pictures) on July 19. The Russian mixed martial arts champion confirmed the bout to Sherdog.com on Tuesday.

"[Sylvia] is a good fighter, a strong fighter, the former UFC heavyweight champion, which is important," Emelianenko said via telephone from Stary Oskol, Russia. "I am looking forward to fighting him and training hard for this fight."

While Emelianenko was short on details, Sherdog.com has learned through sources close to the negotiations that Fedor-Sylvia would headline a card tentatively scheduled for the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, the home base of HDNet Fights.

HDNet Fights CEO Andrew Simon declined to comment on the report, however sources indicate the bout will air on the Mark Cuban-owned network and is rumored to be promoted by Affliction, a clothing brand closely tied to MMA.

Affliction had been connected with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, however a June 28 Las Vegas date has since been discarded.

Emelianenko, a 31-year-old sambo practitioner, has faced criticism from media and fans alike after a string of fights against less than stellar competition. Sylvia would represent the Russian's first ranked opponent since his unanimous decision over Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic nearly three years ago.

Widely regarded as the top heavyweight fighter in the world, Emelianenko (27-1-0, 1 NC) was recently freed from a letter of intent binding him to the now-defunct M-1 Global promotion.

Sylvia, 32, is coming off a submission loss to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Pictures) in February at UFC 81. After a spirited performance that saw him batter his foe at will with strikes, Sylvia (24-4-0) eventually fell victim to a classic Nogueira come-from-behind performance and succumbed to a guillotine choke early in the third round.

[shady610]

id love to see tim win. fedor has been ducking worthy fighters for a long time now. And if Tim wins, ill be at Sherdog all day watching the fedor fans cry.

So whats the line gonna be for this fight?


fedor -320
Tim- +225?

[losingmyshirt]

Originally Posted by shady610

id love to see tim win. fedor has been ducking worthy fighters for a long time now. And if Tim wins, ill be at Sherdog all day watching the fedor fans cry.

So whats the line gonna be for this fight?


fedor -320
Tim- +225?

I would expect Sylvia to be a bigger dog than that probably, more like +300 to +350 if I had to guess.

[sdjoe]

Fedor wont lose , i would like to see tim winning , but i see fedor by submission (probably armbar ).
lines my guess
Fedor -550
Tim Sylvia +375

good underdog bet for a small amount

[Saunders FTW]

Man, This fight ihas got me pumped

[flyingillini]

Fedor should walk right through him. As we all know everyone sooner or later will lose when it is least expected. I was very impressed when Linland fought Fedor considering his natural weight is 185.

[twtb19]

I am guessing Fedor comes in a pretty big favorite and I will probably bet on Big Tim. He tends to get good odds in general anyway simply because he is tall and goofy, this might have a pretty decent line.

[losingmyshirt]

Originally Posted by twtb19

I am guessing Fedor comes in a pretty big favorite and I will probably bet on Big Tim. He tends to get good odds in general anyway simply because he is tall and goofy, this might have a pretty decent line.

I agree, Sylvia often offers very good value simply because he is not popular. If I remember correctly I took him at around +180 when he faced Vera. I won't be betting on him here though regardless of the line since I will be cheering for Fedor.

[twtb19]

Originally Posted by losingmyshirt

I agree, Sylvia often offers very good value simply because he is not popular. If I remember correctly I took him at around +180 when he faced Vera. I won't be betting on him here though regardless of the line since I will be cheering for Fedor.

If there is a good line it is all the more reason to bet on Sylvia. If Sylvia wins you will be happy cause you won money, if Fedor wins you will still be happy cause your fighter won.

[losingmyshirt]

Originally Posted by twtb19

If there is a good line it is all the more reason to bet on Sylvia. If Sylvia wins you will be happy cause you won money, if Fedor wins you will still be happy cause your fighter won.

I like the way you think!

Would probably have to be around +400 for me to do that though, drop $20 on it, if I lose its no biggie and if I win my beer for the night at the bar is covered

[Saunders FTW]

Originally Posted by flyingillini

Fedor should walk right through him. As we all know everyone sooner or later will lose when it is least expected. I was very impressed when Linland fought Fedor considering his natural weight is 185.

yep