Andrei Arlovski vs Josh Barnett — Fight recap

Josh Barnett submitted Andrei Arlovski via submission in round three at 2:53, claiming a decisive victory in their heavyweight clash on September 3, 2016. Barnett landed 53 significant strikes on 82 attempts (64%) while controlling the action for 6:34, compared to Arlovski's 38 significant strikes on 62 attempts (61%) and 2:24 of control time.

Both fighters attempted one takedown each with a 50% success rate, but Barnett's grappling dominance and superior cage control proved decisive as he secured the submission finish. Arlovski's striking output remained respectable—including a perfect 11-for-11 on body strikes—yet Barnett's clinch work and positional wrestling, evidenced by his nearly three-minute control advantage, allowed him to dictate the fight's trajectory and ultimately lock in the finish.

The victory reasserted Barnett's credentials in the heavyweight division after a layoff.