Shamil Abdurakhimov

"Abrek". That's what they call Shamil Abdurakhimov, and is part of the UFC heavyweight division's deep end, fighting out of Russia — 28 pro fights in, still swinging for a number next to his name.

A balanced operator — 9 wins by KO, 4 by submission, 7 on the scorecards. No single weapon to game-plan around, which is exactly the problem. Add a 76" reach, and the puzzle gets harder still.

He's coming off a loss to Jailton Almeida. Careers aren't defined by the fall, though; they're defined by the rebound.

At 44, the window is what it is — which tends to make every remaining fight more honest, and more dangerous.