Pros Pick: Fedor vs. Sylvia

It’s one of the most important heavyweight matches in recent memory and without question the litmus test for Affliction’s future. The clothing company has assembled one of the greatest MMA events ever on paper, and the show’s success hinges primarily on one bout: the main event featuring world-recognized heavyweight king Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures) squaring off against two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia (Pictures).

Looking at the Las Vegas odds just days prior to the encounter, Fedor is the prohibitive favorite. Most members of the media and thousands of fans believe Sylvia stands little to no chance of pulling off the upset. But what do fighters think?

Sherdog.com polled more than 25 fighters and trainers to get their thoughts:

I think Fedor will win -- second round via armbar or GNP. But I’m rooting for Tim because he’s my buddy.

I’m going with Fedor. He always comes up with a great game plan and is just that dominant. Sylvia is a proper test and will put up a good fight, though.

I like Sylvia to score a TKO sometime in the second, maybe even the first. I’m a huge Fedor fan because he’s like a freak of nature, but you just can’t count Sylvia out.

Fedor via armbar.

Fedor by decision.

I’m going with Fedor, but Tim has a good chance because of his jab. He hits hard and he may be able to keep Fedor away and wear him down. Not likely, but maybe.

On the ground Fedor wins, but stand-up is anybody’s game. People always underestimate Tim’s boxing, and Fedor has never fought anybody with a jab like Tim’s. I still think Fedor will win, but Sylvia is the toughest style matchup for a guy like Fedor, and it’s going to be a lot closer than most people think.

Fedor by ground-and-pound or armbar -- first round.

I predict that Fedor wins this fight. He is more well-rounded and defeated Mark Hunt (Pictures) -- a bigger, much better striker than Sylvia.

Fedor wins, but [he] had a long layoff. Could get drawn out, but Fedor wins.

I would like to see Tim be a spoiler. All I know is I’m excited to see it.

They will trade a little. Fedor will take him down. Work some ground-and-pound and then probably hit a submission. His ground is nasty, and Tim’s prone to it. It won’t be a long fight.

I say Sylvia by TKO round three.

I think Fedor in the first round.

Great fight! Tim has a way of surprising people when no one thinks he can win. I’ve seen him train, and his work ethic is second to none. Fedor hasn’t fought a significant heavyweight in three years. I say Tim by decision.

For years I’ve underestimated Tim Sylvia (Pictures). This time I think I’m gonna be in the minority and pick Tim and his long right hand. Come to think of it, I am a minority.

I think Fedor finally gets Tim down and submits him. But he’ll take some damage in the process. Fight goes into the third round. Fedor by armbar.

Fedor should pick Tim Sylvia (Pictures) up and slam him on his head, then pummel him for a TKO or submit him. But Tim could knock him out. Fedor is a way better athlete, and that’s who my money is on.

Fedor by TKO in the third.

Fedor by whatever he wants.

Fedor will destroy him.

It will be a very interesting fight. Fedor is a beast but hasn’t fought a lot recently. Sylvia’s been fighting top-level competition. Anxious to see how it will turn out. Not sure who will win.

Fedor subs him in the first round.

Fedor by sub when it goes to the ground. Any round.

Fedor will submit him in the first.

I am going to go on record and say Tim Sylvia (Pictures) by KO in the second round. I love Fedor, but I just have a feeling for Sylvia in this one.

I pick Fedor only because he is more athletic and better skilled. The only chance that Tim has is by KO, and that’s highly unlikely.