Interviews
13/01/09 - Fedor Emelianenko talks Arlovski, family and Mother Russia
Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko will defend his WAMMA title belt against Andrei Arlovski at Affliction 2: Day of Reckoning on the 24th of this month.
The former PRIDE FC champion has lost just once in 30 bouts as a professional, and that was a controversial cut stoppage that was ruled a loss only because it occurred in a tournament. He avenged it shortly afterwards.
Do you think this fight with Andrei Arlovski will be one of the hardest fights of your career?
“Yes, Andrei is a very skilled and dangerous fighter, another tough UFC champion on my resume. I expect a very difficult fight similar to my fights with Noguiera. I must be very prepared.”
What are you worried most about and what are you working on in camp to prepare for this?
“Andrei is very quick on his feet. When he uses his speed in his stand-up, he can be very dangerous. We must work to neutralize his effectiveness on his feet.”
What is your training regimen like?
“Generally, all fighters train the same. But everyone puts their own accents on preparation, their own unique styles and preferences depending on their needs at the time. Every fighter, myself included, has certain exercises that they focus on based on the task at hand.
“But there are no secret exercises that lead me to victory, just hard work in whatever I do.”
Why do you choose to live and train in a small town like Stary Oskol, far from the bright lights and attractions of Moscow and St. Petersburg?
“There is no other choice. This is my home. This is my land. I would not want to choose anywhere else.”
What does the gym look like that you train in?
“It looks like any other training gym. Mats, ring and training equipment. But it is the location that is the difference. We are high in the mountains and the high elevation is good for cardio and muscle endurance.
“We train in an area that is famous for its strong people. It feels more like home here.”
Do you get nervous before you fight; and if so, when does it happen?
“I get nervous just like anybody else but I try to compose myself around fight time. I have good trainers that help me stay calm. I just know that I have a job to do and I just try and go out and do it professionally.”
How do you stay calm before a fight?
“I just try to approach every fight in a smart manner, so I am completely prepared for anything that can happen. And I always try to keep my composure and think quickly in the ring. Good preparation leads to calmness.”
Do you have to watch your weight when training?
“No, not really. I am usually in pretty good shape. It is just a matter of getting into fighting shape. The training allows my body to find its natural weight for the fight.”
What time do you wake up and go to bed?
“I wake up around 8am and go to sleep around 11pm.”
What are your favorite foods you have to give up while training?
“Well, there is no drinking vodka for one thing. And I can’t have any sweets.”
You have two daughters, Marina (9) and Vasilia (1). Do you see your family when you are training?
“Yes. It calms me.”
Do you like the travelling that is involved with your career and which ar eyour favourite countries to visit?
“Not really. I like staying home and being with my friends and family. I miss them when I am away. My favorite countries are Japan and the United States and any place that has scary roller coasters.”
Is it hard to be a father having to be away from home when you are travelling for business?
“Yes. I am always looking for a department store or toy store when I am traveling so I can bring something back to my kids. I am also always talking to them on the phone.”
Do your kids know what you do? Have they ever seen you fight or watched one of your fights on tape?
“My youngest is too young, but the oldest knows. She has never seen me fight however.”
What is your relationship with former president of Russia Vladimir Putin?
“We do not talk on a regular basis. It is just that he had seen one of my fights on TV and took an interest. Vladimir Putin has always been very kind to me and I have always appreciated his interest in my career and the sport of MMA.
“We have in common our love for Sambo, the national sport in Russia... Vladimir Putin is a black belt in Judo and a master in Sambo. I have promised him that I would always participate in Sambo if I was able to, so that I could be a role model for young people in Russia and continue the rich tradition of the sport.
How would you like to be remembered in this sport?
“As someone that was a good ambassador of a growing sport, that always wanted to fight the best fighters and always gave the fans the best he could give.”
Interview courtesy of Pamela Rogers/ Affliction Entertainment
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