Arlovski and Kharitonov lack of concentration cost Andrei Arlovski the fight -- and his consciousness for a few minutes.

Pride Fighting Championships veteran Sergei Kharitonov dazzled in his promotional debut, as he knocked out Andrei Arlovski in the first round and advanced to the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix semifinals. Two standing-to-ground punches left Arlovski unconscious against the cage 2 minutes, 47 seconds into Round 1.

Arlovski used his speed and athleticism to gain an early foothold in the match. Leg kicks, overhand rights and jabs were his weapons of choice. The bearded Belarusian held his own in tight quarters, only to have his chin betray him once more. Kharitonov wobbled him with a looping right hand and put him on his backside with another. Glassy eyed and wounded, Arlovski tried to defend himself from his back, but a booming left hand short-circuited his senses and sent him to a fourth consecutive defeat.

"Andrei is a very tough fighter," Kharitonov said. "I hope we will become friends. I respect his skills, and I respect him as a person."

Many view Kharitonov, a 30-year-old Golden Glory representative, as a potential darkhorse in the eight-man draw.

"I could care less what the experts think," he said. "I know I'm going to win this tournament."