Arlovski: "Fedor, I Don’t Think He is Unbeatable"

Dr.Chicago · 08-16-2007, 09:55 PM

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IRISH WHIP EXCLUSIVE: ANDREI ARLOVSKI INTERVIEW

Posted by Masson Liang
Thursday, August 16, 2007

I got a chance to speak with former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei "Pitbull" Arlovski. Andrei Arlovski is ranked, by many around the world, as one of the top 10 MMA heavyweights in the world. Arlovski holds notable wins over a who's who of fighters, which include: former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia, Ian Freeman, PRIDE veteran Fabricio Werdum, heavy hitter Paul Buentello, Vladimir Matyushenko and many others. Arlovski is best known for his incredible striking abilities, mobility on the feet, Sambo skills, dangerous submissions and even his unique mouthpiece, which contains two fangs, an accurate portrayal of his nickname, the "Pit Bull."

See what Andrei Arlovski had to say about his current status with the UFC, Dana White, Fedor and much, much more! An interview by Masson Liang

Masson Liang: First off, how are things between you and Patrycja shaping up? Are you guys thinking of marriage anytime soon?

Andrei Arlovski: Everything is good with us, thank you for asking. We are in love, but not thinking about marriage.

ML: How has everything been going, as far as training goes? With a nearly four-month hiatus now, are you still keeping in tip-top shape and training even though, according to Joe silva, you don't have a fight booked?

AA: I always try and keep in shape. I take a couple weeks off after a fight and then go back to the gym. I get to work on technique for boxing, jiu-jitsu and wrestling and other things that need help. I also do some weights and conditioning.

ML: Many fans are wondering where you've been. When can "Pitbull" fans expect you back inside The Octagon?

AA: Hopefully soon. I was thinking September/October, but it is up to the UFC.

ML: Even though you won your last two bouts, even nearly knocking Marcio Cruz's head off, Dana White stated that you're last showings weren't very great and that it set you back. What are your feelings toward this?

AA: My opinion and my teams opinion is that I did a good job. It’s just the opinion of Dana White.

ML: Has UFC's treatment towards you changed in the past years and would you ever consider moving to another organization?

AA: I am very glad to be with the UFC and still have contract with them. I am UFC fighter now. Everything is good.

ML: What did it feel like to win the Heavyweight title from Tim Sylvia at UFC 51? Did you expect to win via Achilles lock?

AA: It was a very happy moment. I never know how I am going to win the fight but I always have a plan.

ML: In your words, what happened in your second bout with Sylvia? Did you think the fight was over after you rocked him the first time?

AA: I went out very confident that I would win. Yes I did... I thought when I dropped him on the ground I was sure I beat him again.

ML: Many critics said you weren't as aggressive in your fight with Werdum. Is there any reason behind this? Were there any injuries or were you just playing it safe and trying to keep the fight on its feet?

AA: I just follow instructions of my coaches and go and fight. Werdum is a very skilled fighter and I had to be careful with him on the ground.

ML: With PRIDE heavyweights, "Minotauro" Nogueira and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, and many newcomers (i.e. Gabriel Gonzaga) now in the UFC, how do you rank yourself amongst the UFC Heavyweights today?

AA: It is very good for the UFC that Dana brought great fighters to the UFC. I hope that one day I will fight one of those new, big names.

ML: Is there any one particular fighter you would like to fight in the UFC? Perhaps a rematch with Tim Sylvia?

AA: I want to fight with the best and become heavyweight champion again. For sure I would like to fight with Tim Sylvia one more time if it is possible.

ML: Many people believe you match-up perfectly with "Cro Cop." How do you think you match-up with him?

AA: I think that we match up very well and if the UFC wants us to fight, we will. He is a very good fighter.

ML: In the ever-popular discussion of "Who can beat Fedor?" your name often appears. What strengths do you have that could carry you to victory over him?

AA: Thank you. When I was a champion I wanted to fight with Fedor but I don’t know that it is possible now. He is a great fighter, but I don’t think he is unbeatable.

ML: You recently landed a role as a Russian fighter in the movie "Never Submit." Can you tell us more about that?

AA: I am not doing that movie anymore.

ML: Well Andrei, we'd like to thank you so much for your time and support and we surely wish you the best in the future and are dying to see your return. Are there any sponsors you'd like to thank or anything to say to your fans?

AA: Yes. Thank you to all my fans for their support after my two losses. Please look at my web site (Official Website for Andrei Arlovski (Andre Arlovski) - UFC 55 Heavyweight Champ | Arlovski Gear) and myspace.com/arlovski for updates on me and my career.

Source: Irish Whip Fighting: IRISH WHIP EXCLUSIVE: ANDREI ARLOVSKI INTERVIEW

Good interview!

I hope they set him up with someone good! Big Nog for example!

subgenius · 08-16-2007, 09:59 PM

Damn, Dr. Chicago...

You get all the best stuff! LOL. Great job

I would have loved seeing AA versus Fedor when AA had his title.

FightFan76 · 08-16-2007, 10:00 PM

If there is anyone w/ the skill set to challenge Fedor it is AA; he would have to bring his A-game though and NOT what he has brought as of late.....

MTKrav911 · 08-16-2007, 10:10 PM

Theoretically AA is correct. I mean Cro Cop was supposed to be this indominatable beast in The UFC HW division and all Dana White did was find a guy in Gabriel Gonzaga who kicked Cro Cops Coach's ass, and who later did the same to Cro Cop himself. Talk about fighting genius? Just like Tsun Tzu. All wars are won before they're even fought... Gabe Gonzaga and Dana White proved that.

Now Cro Cop is one step away from not only not winning a belt, but just "finishing" his contract out in style.

Fedor needs to solidify things. That's why he's smart not entering The UFC. He can solidify his status as the best MMA/Kickboxer in the world by NOT entering The UFC where he may or may not be exposed.

Good move for Fedor. Stay where you're at where you're on top!

bayouboy · 08-16-2007, 10:14 PM

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Originally Posted by MTKrav911

Theoretically AA is correct. I mean Cro Cop was supposed to be this indominatable beast in The UFC HW division and all Dana White did was find a guy in Gabriel Gonzaga who kicked Cro Cops Coach's ass, and who later did the same to Cro Cop himself. Talk about fighting genius? Just like Tsun Tzu. All wars are won before they're even fought... Gabe Gonzaga and Dana White proved that.

Now Cro Cop is one step away from not only not winning a belt, but just "finishing" his contract out in style.

Fedor needs to solidify things. That's why he's smart not entering The UFC. He can solidify his status as the best MMA/Kickboxer in the world by NOT entering The UFC where he may or may not be exposed.

Good move for Fedor. Stay where you're at where you're on top!

How is it being on top if you stay away? I agree he is the best but now their is this unknown of how he would do in the UFC. To me to really showcase his legacy is to come and fight the best which is what the UFC now has...except for Fedor of course.

Dr.Chicago · 08-17-2007, 12:03 AM

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Originally Posted by subgenius

Damn, Dr. Chicago...

You get all the best stuff! LOL. Great job

I would have loved seeing AA versus Fedor when AA had his title.

Thanx Sub..

I always wait for your posts too.. You have solid view and opinions all the time.. And it's so easy for anyone to get your point..

Dr.Chicago · 08-17-2007, 12:07 AM

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Originally Posted by MTKrav911

Theoretically AA is correct. I mean Cro Cop was supposed to be this indominatable beast in The UFC HW division and all Dana White did was find a guy in Gabriel Gonzaga who kicked Cro Cops Coach's ass, and who later did the same to Cro Cop himself. Talk about fighting genius? Just like Tsun Tzu. All wars are won before they're even fought... Gabe Gonzaga and Dana White proved that.

Now Cro Cop is one step away from not only not winning a belt, but just "finishing" his contract out in style.

Fedor needs to solidify things. That's why he's smart not entering The UFC. He can solidify his status as the best MMA/Kickboxer in the world by NOT entering The UFC where he may or may not be exposed.

Good move for Fedor. Stay where you're at where you're on top!

I agree with you man.. Fedor is all-time best in the MMA world no matter what!! The guy is a legend already! But hell with that.. I wanna see him fighting some UFC talents!!

HaVoK · 08-17-2007, 01:09 AM

Great interview, AA has always been one of my favorites. I would love to see him come back to his old form at fight for a long long time. I still believe him to be one of the best heavyweights in the world.

LinvilleGorge · 08-17-2007, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTKrav911

Theoretically AA is correct. I mean Cro Cop was supposed to be this indominatable beast in The UFC HW division and all Dana White did was find a guy in Gabriel Gonzaga who kicked Cro Cops Coach's ass, and who later did the same to Cro Cop himself. Talk about fighting genius? Just like Tsun Tzu. All wars are won before they're even fought... Gabe Gonzaga and Dana White proved that.

Now Cro Cop is one step away from not only not winning a belt, but just "finishing" his contract out in style.

Fedor needs to solidify things. That's why he's smart not entering The UFC. He can solidify his status as the best MMA/Kickboxer in the world by NOT entering The UFC where he may or may not be exposed.

Good move for Fedor. Stay where you're at where you're on top!

Yes, he's considered the best right now and rightly so, but what if say a Gabriel Gonzaga (or another top UFC HW) were to grab the title and then go on and have 4 or 5 successful title defenses while Fedor fought relatively lower level fighters in other orgs? Then the talk would start.

Dirty Fighter · 08-17-2007, 03:06 AM

Okay Doc Chicago, who are you? Every time I turn around there is some new thread with some golden little nugget and your name next to it. How do you find all this stuff? Does the freakin' mma press just forward everything to you first for proof reading?

I'm gonna start calling you scoop....

Dr.Chicago · 08-17-2007, 03:27 AM

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Originally Posted by Dirty Fighter

Okay Doc Chicago, who are you? Every time I turn around there is some new thread with some golden little nugget and your name next to it. How do you find all this stuff? Does the freakin' mma press just forward everything to you first for proof reading?

I'm gonna start calling you scoop....

LOL.. Thanx Dirty Fighter.. Believe me, there's no secret here.. You only have to be there at the right time..

To be honest, I LOVE to make everybody informed and updated with latest news.. it's all about motivation from my side.. And I don't expect anything in return.. that's why i'm satisfied with what I do.. I like to see people feeling happy when they read a cool interview or hear a good news.. And that's actually the same reason why I became a doctor too.. Just to work for the people..

Glad you like the posts man!

AllTrac · 08-17-2007, 09:01 AM

I think AA has the ability to give Fedor a challenge but in the end it would go to Fedor, he is simply a beast.

AA is one of my favourite fighters and is massively talented but against Fedor i feel he will be lacking (like everyone else who has come up against him).

KRONOS · 08-17-2007, 10:27 AM

AA is one of my favorite fighters. I also agree with him about Fedor. After all Fedor is still human. Don't get me wrong I like Fedor....who doesn't like him? and he's am excellent fighter, but Fedor's chances of being beaten are just as good as any other fighter.

The Seeker · 08-17-2007, 01:43 PM

Andrei Arlovski is one of my favorite fighters and is also the fighter that got me back into the UFC after a hiatus from the old, old days. I'd really love to see him fight one of the new addition bad asses in the heavyweight division. Honestly, I can do without another Arlovski vs Sylvia fight.

Another thing, and I'm dead serious about this... I think he needs to bring back the fur! Ever since he friggin' shaved off his manliness and got rocked by Sylvia, he's been a bit iffy. I think the fur will help promote some more aggression and rage!

Here's to the 2007 "Bring Back the Fur" campaign!

fullonshred · 08-17-2007, 03:00 PM

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Originally Posted by FightFan76

If there is anyone w/ the skill set to challenge Fedor it is AA; he would have to bring his A-game though and NOT what he has brought as of late.....

He had better bring someone elses chin, too. Fedor would knock him colder than a frozen tuna.

Yes, theoretically Fedor is beatable. So far he has been unbeatable. AA isn't the one to change that either. Still, I would like to see that fight just to see Fedor knock him out.

wilshaw · 08-17-2007, 05:52 PM

If ive learned anything from the last few months of the ufc it's that ANYONE can be beat, example - GSP to serra, Liddell to Jackson, Franklin to silva, Cro cop to gonzaga. maybe these guys that ive mentioned hav'nt been as dominant as Fedor but it does prove that whether it be to a lucky punch/kick or a fought out decision Anybody can lose.
AA at the moment probably couldnt touch him, Does anybody know if Fedor and Gonzaga have fought before ? that could be interesting.

subgenius · 08-17-2007, 06:55 PM

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Originally Posted by wilshaw

If ive learned anything from the last few months of the ufc it's that ANYONE can be beat, example - GSP to serra, Liddell to Jackson, Franklin to silva, Cro cop to gonzaga. maybe these guys that ive mentioned hav'nt been as dominant as Fedor but it does prove that whether it be to a lucky punch/kick or a fought out decision Anybody can lose.
AA at the moment probably couldnt touch him, Does anybody know if Fedor and Gonzaga have fought before ? that could be interesting.

Napao and Fedor have never fought. Napao Gonzaga has not fought very many opponents of note outside of Cro Cop (a win) and Werdum (a loss). Somebody mentioned (I forget if it was this thread or another) that Napao had beaten Werdum, but that was not true. Gonzaga is only 8-1 in MMA. He has beaten Brandon Lee Hinkle and Fabiano Scherner, which are good wins. But, not really as impressive as the KO over Mirko Filipovic.

As much as I idolize Fedor Emelianenko and his ability to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time at heavyweight, I am still doubtful of what he will achieve in the UFC. We have seen some PRIDE Fighters get ground up in the cage (Mirko and Herring, for example). I am wondering, will that happen to Fedor and Nog. Noguiera has one win in the UFC, but that was against a guy he had already beaten twice before in PRIDE. Will Shogun and Fedor fair as well as Nog or as bad as Mirko?

King Kameamea · 08-17-2007, 08:01 PM

I'd love to see a Arloski/Cro Cop matchup.

IrishRage · 08-18-2007, 12:42 PM

AA vs Crocop would be perfect , both these guys as for talent are probably at or near the top but there lack of mental focus In some fights has always slowed them down In some fights , perfect ppv matchup lots of people would love to watch these battle It out .

Ring_Raider_07 · 08-18-2007, 10:33 PM

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Originally Posted by Dr.Chicago

Thanx Sub..

I always wait for your posts too.. You have solid view and opinions all the time.. And it's so easy for anyone to get your point..

Eh, do we know the same Subgenius?