This is the Strikeforce live blog for Andrei Arlovski vs. Sergei Kharitonov, a heavyweight tournament bout on tonight's Strikeforce on Showtime event at the IZOD Center.

Arlovski vs. Kharitonov is a quarterfinal matchup in the 2011 Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. The winner here will advance to meet in the semifinals the winner of Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers.

Despite the a three-fight slid, Arlovski is still a fan favorite. Nice little staredown during the glove touch.

Round 1: Kharitonov is in the middle with Arlovski circling close to the fence. Arlovski is very active with punches and even kicks. Arlovski grabs a one-arm clinch and shoots uppercuts. Kharitonov snaps Arlovski's head back with a jab. Arlovski with an uppercut. Arlovski seems to be scoring in the dirty boxing aspect of the fight, as Kharitonov's face is visibly red. Kharitonov stuns Arlovski with a right. Kharitonov sensing Arlovski hurt, goes for the finish. Kharitonov drops Arlovski with a leaping right hook. A right, left and another right puts Arlovski to sleep on the canvas.

Arlovski is out cold.

Kharitonov wins via KO - Round 1, 2:49

2/12/2011 11:06 PM ET By Ray Hui