Sergei Kharitonov has been there but not quite done it all. The feared Russian, something of a heavyweight nearly man down the years, will have the eyes of the fighting world upon him on Saturday night as he squares off against fellow veteran Josh Barnett.

A win against Barnett in the semi-finals of the Strikeforce tournament would propel him well and truly to the top echelons of the heavyweight division – something he has never quite been able to do despite seemingly having the relevant tools.

During his days with the Pride the Russian was one of the most feared fighters in MMA. He brought to the ring a solid grappling game in the shape of Combat Sambo, a solid chin, mental strength and above all fearsome hands. (Few fighters can boost knock out victories over both Alistair Overeem and Semmy Schilt).

He was seen by many during his early Pride years as a likely successor to the throne of the legendary Fedor Emilianenko. Indeed he was once a sparring partner of Emilianenko who taught him many techniques.

Injuries though coupled with a few untimely losses meant that Kharitonov never had a shot at the Pride heavyweight title.

Following the demise of Pride Kharitonov has fought rather sporadically in MMA – at about a ratio once a year. During this time he has recorded victories over several journeyman heavyweights and a big KO victory over Alistair Overeem. Surprisingly though he slipped up when he fought veteran fighter Jeff Monson who choked him out in less than two minutes.

The Russian, for a period, concentrated more on kickboxing citing that this gave his injured shoulder, damaged in his battle with Overeem, less agro. He has participated in several kickboxing matches including the 2010 K-1 Grand Prix since 2009. In his last outing he claimed a KO victory against K-1 veteran Mighty Mo.  Overall he has a with a 2-2 kickboxing record.

However before his first match in the inaugural heavyweight tournament Kharitonov suggested that he his injuries are behind him and he is ready to make a definitive statement in modern day MMA.

He told Tapology.com:

“Anything can happen in a fight, but I am very well prepared. I feel the best in years. I trained my stand-up and ground and have no injuries; I am ready to break some bones.”

Kharitonov was an interesting addition to the Strikeforce heavyweight tournament having been somewhat under the MMA radar for several years. Against an initially sharp looking Andrei Arlovski though he reminded fans just how dangerous a fighter he is following his first round punching blitz to advance to the next round.

Although he will start as underdog against Barnett he should definitely not be counted out. He has proven over the years to have devastating hands and Barnett would be foolish to trade with the Russian.

In recent showings though Barnett has been more cerebral than ever, immediately playing to his strengths, taking his opponents to the ground using superior wrestling and size and working a relatively easy submission win. His last outing against Brett Rogers was a perfect example of this. He’d be foolish to deviate from this time of strategy.

Kharitonov will no doubt try to keep the fight standing and out of Barnett’s clinch range for as long as possible and get busy with his hands. If he finds himself clinched with Barnett standing then he’ll hope to land short punches and cutting elbows. Still just 31, and apparently back to peak fitness, Kharitonov could well give Barnett a run for his money.

Matt Hyde