New Arlovski Interview -- The UFC "Put Me On the Bench" - Fight Forum - MMA - UFC - Boxing - K1

Heatwaves · 12-08-2007, 09:26 PM

Interesting article from mmamania. AA's very curt with his answers and politically correct. But am I the only one who believes that "between the lines" it sounds like AA is leaving the UFC by April 16th?

Quote:

MMAmania.com (UFC blog for UFC news, results, videos, rumors, fights, pics and tickets — MMAmania.com) recently caught up with the Chicago-based fighter during an exclusive interview to find out more about his current fight status, when we can expect him to return, what he’s been doing to keep focused and busy, and much more.

MMAmania.com: Finish this sentence: I’m currently not fighting in the UFC and I have no immediate fight scheduled because the UFC …

Andrei Arlovski: … put me on the bench.

MMAmania.com: Do you have contact with other UFC fighters? If so, have they been supportive of your current situation?

Andrei Arlovski: Yes, I do talk with other UFC fighters but I do not discuss my contract or personal business with them.

MMAmania.com: Aside from Tim Sylvia, you haven’t lost since 2002. Do you think the criticisms of Sylvia/Arlovski 3 and Werdum/Arlovski are unfair based on your previous accomplishments?

Andrei Arlovski: First I don’t think the fight with Werdum was bad. I followed my teams instructions to win and Dana had promised me a fight for a title if I won. I was not ready for a jiu-jitsu match and prefer to strike so it went how it did. We looked for a title fight.

MMAmania.com: Give us your take on the Randy Couture situation.

Andrei Arlovski: Couture he is very intelligent and smart fighter. In my opinion, he knows what he is doing.

MMAmania.com: As that story unfolded, was there any point in time when you felt like you could relate?

Andrei Arlovski: I think everyone can somewhat be in his situation.

MMAmania.com: You’ve been in the UFC for years and have been one of its biggest, most bankable stars even before the sport started to explode. Now that it is so big it seems like the UFC perhaps isn’t grateful for your services like Rich Franklin, Matt Hughes, etc. Is there some favoritism going on and does that in anyway affect your desire to want to continue the relationship with the UFC?

Andrei Arlovski: There are a lot of great fighters including myself that have helped this sport grow.

MMAmania.com: Fedor Emelianenko is now representing M-1 Global and as of late the M-1 executives have been scrambling to locate a worthy opponent. Has anyone from that organization contacted you or your agent?

Andrei Arlovski: I have one more more fight with the UFC and I am focused on training for that fight … when they call.

MMAmania.com: What do you think of Fedor’s decision to not join the UFC?

Andrei Arlovski: I guess somebody offered him more money and better terms than the UFC. He is a great fighter, but I am sure it was a business decision.
MMAmania.com: Tell us how a fight between Andrei and Fedor would turn out.

Andrei Arlovski: He is a great fighter. He has a perfect record … but nobody is unbeatable.

MMAmania.com: What is your opinion on the influx of former PRIDE fighters to the UFC?

Andrei Arlovski: So far, only Anderson Silva and Rampage have done well in the UFC (I think). I think Anderson Sivla will be champion in his weight class for a very long time.

MMAmania.com: If Joe Silva called you tomorrow and offered you the chance to fight any heavyweight in the UFC, who would you choose?

Andrei Arlovski: My first choice would be to fight the current heavyweight title holder. My second choice would be Tim Sylvia … one more time.

MMAmania.com: How difficult is it to maintain an aggressive training regimen with no fight on the horizon?

Andrei Arlovski: First of all you have to keep your mind clean and work more for technique and weaknesses when you have time off. I am getting better everyday.

MMAmania.com: What is most important to you as a professional fighter: winning the match or putting forth a sensational performance?

Andrei Arlovski: It is kind of a trick question. But I am there to win. When I fight, if there is a chance have an amazing fight of course I want that.

MMAmania.com: Tell us how you ended up on The Jerry Springer Show and what the UFC had to say about it.

Andrei Arlovski: The show contacted me because they are starting a series of celebrities that will be able to “act” as security. It worked out well because I got to partner again with one of my sponsors, SOYO TV and my line of Pitbull TV’s. Going on the show was a lot of fun for everyone and I am glad I went. I got a lot of positive feedback from my fans on my MySpace and Web site.

MMAmania.com: What skills or talents do you have outside of MMA? What would you be doing if you were not a fighter?

Andrei Arlovski: I have a high education from the police academy in Belarus. I can become a lot of different things from the degree. Right now I am focused on getting the belt back, that is it.

MMAmania.com: Has the UFC contacted you about challenging for the vacant heavyweight title? Is there any interest in fighting “Big Nog” in the future? How would that go?

Andrei Arlovski: No, they have not contacted me about the heavyweight title or any real fights for that case. Of course I am interested. I want to fight big names and the best fighters. Big Nog is a great fighter with great jiu-jitsu and striking. I am training very hard on my technique in each discipline with great trainers every day. I train to win. I don’t plan on losing anytime soon. I will be heavyweight champion again … very soon. I promise.

MMAmania.com: When does your contract expire in 2008? Will you extend the contract before it is up? Have you been contacted about at least fighting before it’s up? Any idea who are you fighting next?

Andrei Arlovski: It expires April 15, 2008. I have no idea when or who I will be fighting next but hopefully I will know soon.

MMAmania.com: What fight makes the most sense for your career right now, looking at the recent influx of talent in the division, provided you can’t get a shot at the vacant strap?

Andrei Arlovski: There are a lot of great fighters in the heavyweight division right now. I would like to fight some big name. Or Tim Sylvia one more time.

MMAmania.com: What message do you have for your fans who are waiting patiently for your return?

Andrei Arlovski: I want to thank them for their continued support. It helps me when I am training to know that they still believe in me and that they want to see me fight again.

MMAmania.com: Any sponsors or others you would like to plug/thank?

Andrei Arlovski: I would like to thank all of my sponsors and events that have me for appearances and seminars. I also would like people to go to www.soyo.com/pitbull so they can see my line of LCD HD TV’s. They are really cool and part of the money goes to charity. Fans can go to my Web site (Official Website for Andrei Arlovski (Andre Arlovski) - UFC 55 Heavyweight Champ | Arlovski Gear) or MySpace (myspace.com/arlovski) if they want to keep in touch.

MMAmania.com: Okay champ that’s it. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Best of luck in the future and in your next fight … whenever that may be.

Andrei Arlovski: Thank you for this interview.

King Kameamea · 12-08-2007, 10:04 PM

Arlovski's biggest problem is his glass jaw

Pitbull · 12-09-2007, 12:52 AM

Thanks for the interview, Heat.

I can't say that I can side with AA. He chose to fight the way he did, and now its coming back to haunt him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Kameamea

Arlovski's biggest problem is his glass jaw

Fight Forum's biggest problem is you having fingers with which to type.

Heatwaves · 12-09-2007, 02:17 AM

Pitbull, you use to be the reason for me to visit FF. You need to start posting as much as you previously did. You're one of the few "rational" voices here.

F_B · 12-09-2007, 02:22 AM

Poor Arlovski continues to get screwed.

The UFC should set up a rematch between Arlovski and Datsik.

King Kameamea · 12-09-2007, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitbull

Thanks for the interview, Heat.

I can't say that I can side with AA. He chose to fight the way he did, and now its coming back to haunt him.

Fight Forum's biggest problem is you having fingers with which to type.

Actually, it's biggest problem is people who attack people with legitamate opinons...

Mouth For War · 12-09-2007, 09:34 AM

you call saying someone has a glass jaw a legitamate opinion?.....flame on my friend

marnold · 12-09-2007, 09:58 AM

I think Arlovski is being tight lipped in this interview. He speaks with the intelligence of a PR rep. I don't understand how he remains sane. But Sylvia Arlovski III? Yikes. How about a Tito vs Shamrock, Arlovski vs Sylvia fight card? Sweeeeeet.

King Kameamea · 12-09-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mouth For War

you call saying someone has a glass jaw a legitamate opinion?.....flame on my friend

Please read very carefully as this may be very difficult to understand.

From Merriam-Webster dictionary:
opin·ion - a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.

Yes, my opinion is that Arlovski has a glass jaw. Please don't take it personally. This may not be your opinion but implore you to carry on anyway.

GSPALLTHEWAY · 12-09-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Kameamea

Please read very carefully as this may be very difficult to understand.

From Merriam-Webster dictionary:
opin·ion - a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.

Yes, my opinion is that Arlovski has a glass jaw. Please don't take it personally. This may not be your opinion but implore you to carry on anyway.

what you overlook is that in every single post, you flame one fighter or say someone will get very seriously hurt... how about a good close fight? do you think those exist?

Pitbull · 12-09-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heatwaves

Pitbull, you use to be the reason for me to visit FF. You need to start posting as much as you previously did. You're one of the few "rational" voices here.

Thanks, Heat. That's awful nice of you to say.

KungFuGrip · 12-09-2007, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitbull

Thanks for the interview, Heat.

I can't say that I can side with AA. He chose to fight the way he did, and now its coming back to haunt him.

I agree to a point, but i do have mix feelings on it. Believe me though, I absolutely love the way Arlovski used to fight . I became a fan of his instantly and thought the guy was unstoppable at one point. I just feel that like if a man(Dana) gives you his word, he should honor it. At the same time I feel if I saw Arlovski for the first time with Werdum, I might not became a fan of his right away. I hope he gets that fire back and hope his camp lets him.

Note: When talking to the FFPitbulll about the UFCPitbull, I must shy away from Arlovski nickname lol.

King Kameamea · 12-09-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSPALLTHEWAY

what you overlook is that in every single post, you flame one fighter or say someone will get very seriously hurt... how about a good close fight? do you think those exist?

No, I state my opinions as you state yours. Simply because you don't agree with my opinion doesn't mean I am flaming anyone. It means that I have a different opinion then you do. Yes, it is that simple. Again, it is my opinion (not yours) that Arlovski has a glass jaw. Some of you take it so personally when someone doesn't feel the same way about a fighter that you admire. It's as if you have a personal stake in having everyone feel the same way as you do.

P.S. - I used to think Arlovski was unstoppable...until I saw that he has a glass jaw.

KungFuGrip · 12-09-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Kameamea

No, I state my opinions as you state yours. Simply because you don't agree with my opinion doesn't mean I am flaming anyone. It means that I have a different opinion then you do. Yes, it is that simple. Again, it is my opinion (not yours) that Arlovski has a glass jaw. Some of you take it so personally when someone doesn't feel the same way about a fighter that you admire. It's as if you have a personal stake in having everyone feel the same way as you do.

P.S. - I used to think Arlovski was unstoppable...until I saw that he has a glass jaw.

Lol KK. You crack me up. The term glass jaw is a little degrading to Arvloski for he is in the UFC fighting top HWs. Maybe say he has a "not so iron jar" lol. It shows more respect to the fighters.

King Kameamea · 12-09-2007, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MasterMWM

Lol KK. You crack me up. The term glass jaw is a little degrading to Arvloski for he is in the UFC fighting top HWs. Maybe say he has a "not so iron jar" lol. It shows more respect to the fighters.

I used to think Arlovski was so good that I was scared for the guy who he was fighting!

But his jaw, in my opinion, is very weak. No biggie and I'm certainly not the only one who feels this way.

Mouth For War · 12-09-2007, 12:15 PM

its mma anyone who gets punched right is going to drop....so lets see anyone who has gotten knocked out has a glass jaw eh? damn cabbage he has a glass jaw, wandy has a glass jaw, rampage has a glass jaw, thats how it works right?

King Kameamea · 12-09-2007, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mouth For War

its mma anyone who gets punched right is going to drop....so lets see anyone who has gotten knocked out has a glass jaw eh? damn cabbage he has a glass jaw, wandy has a glass jaw, rampage has a glass jaw, thats how it works right?

Whatever you say mouth, whatever you say...

Elder · 12-09-2007, 12:25 PM

I hope AA comes back strong, for I am a big fan of his... but God please not another Sylvia vs. AA fight. I remain a little wary of AA until he comes out and shows that he is in it to fight and not dance around for a victory. He has a lot of potential. I just think he "listens to his corner" a bit too much.

GeorgeXVX · 12-09-2007, 12:48 PM

WAR AA... i cant believe some of you are justifying what the UFC is doing to this man.