Originally Posted by Sherdog

Andrei Arlovski will have to wait at least one more bout before he gets his crack at the world’s No. 1 heavyweight.

The Belarusian bomber’s camp confirmed Monday that their 29-year-old star has agreed to face Josh Barnett at Affliction 2 “Day of Reckoning” at the Thomas & Mack Center on Oct. 11 in Las Vegas. The headlining bout will determine a clear-cut challenger for Fedor Emelianenko, who iced Tim Sylvia in a cool 36 seconds at the promotion’s inaugural July 19 “Banned” event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Emelianenko, 31, earned the World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts (WAMMA) heavyweight championship title for his speedy decimation of the No. 5 ranked Sylvia.

Affliction reps approached Arlovski (13-5) late last week with the proposition to meet former UFC heavyweight champion Barnett (23-5), who also avenged a seven-year loss to Pedro Rizzo on July 19 with a dynamic second-round knockout. The promotion, which had looked to pair Arlovski and Emelianenko next after their stellar performances on July 19, said “The Last Emperor” had broken his hand and would not be able to participate.

The former Pride heavyweight champion complained of a dislocated thumb at a post-fight press conference following his explosive victory over Sylvia. The California State Athletic Commission has also medically suspended Emelianenko for a precautionary 180-day period pending a doctor’s evaluation, though Sherdog.com could not yet confirm the extent of Emelianenko’s injuries.