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I don't think I'd go that far Van. He's just been fighting in Japan a lot. He's beaten Randelman, Mark Coleman, Matt Lindland and Nogueira since 04.
If he would jump in the UFC heavyweight division he would get more consistent quality fights....and soon own the belt. You just don't see heavyweights with the total skill set he brings.
We may find out...

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Fedor Emelianenko came to America looking to build his fan base, impress his critics and stamp his authority on the MMA heavyweight scene. With his 36-second destruction of Tim Sylvia at the Honda Center on Saturday night, he did just that and more. Emelianenko's chilling performance will catapult him in the estimation of American mixed martial arts fans and may have some of them doubting whether Randy Couture could go the distance with him. The 45-year-old Couture, who was ringside Saturday night, made it clear he wanted to fight the Russian phenom. "I have some issues to clear up," Couture said in reference to his contractual problems with the UFC, "but hopefully [we can fight] sometime this year if we are lucky." Emelianenko, who also made clear he wanted a crack at UFC heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, heaped praise on Couture. "Every fighter has his strengths and weaknesses; Randy just has a lot of strengths," he said. "It would be all about who took advantage of the other's mistake." If Emelianenko himself has any weaknesses, they certainly weren't on display in Anaheim. The 6-foot-8 Sylvia came to fight, but he never received the slightest chance to get started. The Russian pounced on him almost immediately, setting about his foe with ferocious intensity. The crowd was in awe of Emelianenko's speed and rose to its feet as his fists found a home on Sylvia's head. "I was amazed at how good Fedor was," Sylvia said after the fight. "He got off first and put me away. The guy was phenomenal, and I'm not even sure if he's human. He's a total stud." Emelianenko was not quite as hyperbolic about his showing, but was clearly pleased with the victory. "I am very happy with my performance," he said. Emelianenko feels he's just now reaching his prime -- which is news for the rest of the heavyweight class. "I feel I am at my peak right now," he said. "I feel great. … I'm confident that I will keep fighting for a long time." At a reasonably young 31, Emelianenko certainly has time on his side. Couture, however, does not, and a deal must be made soon if we are to finally see who the best heavyweight on the planet is. If you're looking for clues as to who would emerge victorious in such a contest, a contrast of each man's victory over Sylvia might be a good place to start. Couture was dominant in taking a decision over Sylvia, but Emelianenko was on a completely different planet. The quickness, versatility and instinct that Emelianenko showed would give Couture some serious problems, and it's difficult to find cracks in Emelianenko's armor. Sylvia isn't so sure there's a heavyweight out there who can beat an in-form Emelianenko. "I thought I was the man to beat him," Sylvia said after the fight. "I don't see how anyone else can."

Hey, I got nothing but respect for Anderson Silva. Possibly the best lb4lb in the world and a class guy. Very impressive against Irvin but I don't think he'll dominate at 205. Too many good fighters at that weight. Should be fun to watch him try to defend at 185 and fight at 205.