Great Arlovski Interview - Fight Forum - MMA - UFC - Boxing - K1

The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell · 04-16-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Fans of the UFC will be getting a special gift from the organization this weekend, a card originally marked for pay-per-view that is instead being shown for free on Spike TV.

Among those being featured in the event is former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski, a perennial fan favorite who after losing twice to Tim Sylvia in 2006, started his road back to championship contention with a knockout win over Marcio Cruz last December.

With his knockout power, flowing hair and fang mouthpiece, Arlovski (12-5) is one of the most charismatic and popular stars in the company. On Saturday night, he'll be facing Fabricio Werdum (9-2-1), a Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert who made a name for himself in PRIDE but is making his UFC debut. The native Belarussian recently took a little time before leaving for the UK to answer a few questions regarding his career, his hobbies and his future.

Andrei ArlovskiKeith GelmanArlovski bares his trademark fangs mouthpiece after throwing out the first pitch at Chicago Cubs game last season.
Q: Fabricio Werdum is a jiu-jitsu specialist. Will you be comfortable taking this fight to the mat against him or are you intent on keeping it standing?

A: I am an MMA fighter and my abilities on the ground are as good sometimes as standing up. My roots taught me Sambo and I have been training jiu-jitsu for years with Dino Costes, one of the best instructors. If the fight is on the ground, it's okay.

Q: Have you spent extra time working your ground game or are you focusing on your own game plan?

A: Of course I have been training for my ground game. I'm working on my jiu-jitsu and I am training wrestling as well. That training will help my game plan.

Q: You lost two fights in a row to Tim Sylvia before defeating Marcio Cruz at UFC 66. With Werdum considered a world-class heavyweight, how important is this matchup for you in terms of getting back into title consideration?

A: It's very important. I need to keep winning to show that I can be champion.

Q: MMA is a sport in which you can only count on yourself in the ring. When you lost two fights in a row to Tim Sylvia, did that have any effect on your confidence? And if so, what did you do regain your confidence?

A: Of course I was very disappointed with my performance at UFC 59 & UFC 61. It did not kill my confidence because I believe in myself and know what my skills are.

Q: Did you learn anything from those setbacks that can help you now and in the future?

A: I learned something about myself, but don't really want to discuss this with anybody.

Q: How painful was it for you to lose the belt, and does that motivate you in your training?

A: Having the belt is a symbol of something you earn. It becomes part of you and by losing it… it's like I lose a part of me. Losing it only helped me get more focused. I am very, very focused right now.

Q: Would you like to face Sylvia again in the future?

A: Yes. For sure. No question.

E-mail the champ!
Have questions about what it's like to fight in a cage, be champ, or shock the world? Matt Serra will be answering fan e-mails in an upcoming video segment.

# Click here to e-mail Matt Serra
Q: Were you surprised with Randy Couture's victory over Tim at UFC 68?

A: Randy is a very good fighter and is very experienced. I was not surprised that he won because I know somebody with skills like Randy can win against Tim. Congratulations again to Randy.

Q: Being a native Belarussian, what are your thoughts on UFC expanding internationally beginning with this event at UFC 70?

A: I think it's very good for UFC to expand to Europe. There are a lot of great fighters at UFC 70 and I am very proud to represent Belarus and the USA in England.

Q: I read that in the past, you have read philosophy books to prepare for fights. Have you read anything lately?

A: The last philosophy book I read was by [Chinese philosopher] Confucius.

Q: How do the books help you?

A: The philosophy books I read help balance my mind and make me think that everything will be good.

Q: In terms of pressure, is it easier to fight as contender rather than as the champion that everyone's gunning for?

A: Hmm… As a contender.

Q: Are you setting a goal for yourself in terms of when you would like to be the champion again?

A: Honestly, it is up to UFC when I get another title shot. I try to focus on one fight at a time. If UFC gives me chance after UFC 70, then I will take it. If I have to wait, no worries. I am in line as contender like other fighters and will wait my turn.

Q: I read in one interview you did that you enjoy skydiving? How often do you do that and what do you like about it?

A: I like the free fall and the rush it brings. I actually haven't done it for two years, but I plan to do it again this summer. You want to jump with me?

Q: Maybe. That's a better invitation than getting in the octagon with you, that's for sure. Speaking of which, the UFC heavyweight division has improved tremendously in recent months with additions like Mirko Cro Cop, Werdum and most recently Antonio Nogueira. How do you feel about the new level of competition?

A: I like it. I don't just want to fight anyone. I want to fight the best fighters in the world and now that UFC bought PRIDE, I think they will end up having the best fights with the best fighters.

Q: Dana White has stated that the Cro Cop-Gonzaga winner will next fight for the title. That would probably mean you'd have to fight at least one more time to get to a title shot. Who would you like to face next?

A: It's up to the UFC.

Q: You're the original Pitbull in the UFC, but there's another Pitbull in the welterweight division, Thiago Alves. You're the biggest dog in the yard. Did you ever think about telling him to change his nickname or else?

A: Ha. Yeah… there is a difference; I didn't and don't take steroids. [Alves tested positive for spironolactone after UFC 66. Spironolactone is technically classified as a steroid, though it is most often used as a diuretic.]

Q: What is your prediction for your fight against Werdum?

A: I am going to England to win the fight. I would like to thank my fans and sponsors for supporting me.

For more information on Arlovski, visit him online at Arlovski.tv and MySpace.com/Arlovski

E-mail Mike Chiappetta at michael.chiappetta@nbcuni.com.

UFC

Great Interview, I see great things for Arlovski.

PINOYPRIDE · 04-16-2007, 07:31 PM

AA looks focused on this fight, either it will be on the ground or on it's feet....Can't wait to see this fight....For FRee

DirtyChuckRulz! · 04-16-2007, 07:41 PM

Im a fan of both of these guys. I wont be routing for anything other than a great fight. I know AA has been training sambo and BJJ for a long time but he has a clear advantage standing and should do everything in his power to keep it there.

HaVoK · 04-16-2007, 07:48 PM

Great interview...he is one of my favorite fighters, really looking forward to this fight. Thanks.

Mouth For War · 04-16-2007, 09:01 PM

awesome interview good post

rebrab · 04-16-2007, 09:34 PM

Great Interview, great post, cheers.

Best of luck AA.

uncle_leo · 04-16-2007, 10:16 PM

Thanks for the post.
I hope AA brings his "A" game to the octagon for UFC 70. Should be a great fight.

Kurtis636 · 04-16-2007, 11:22 PM

I'll be putting points on Arlovski in this one. I think he'll be able to stop the takedowns and he's got a clear advantage on his feet. Big Nog put Werdum on his butt several times and IMO, Arlovski hits harder than Nog.

Jasp · 04-17-2007, 07:25 AM

Its gonna be an awsome fight. Thanks for the intervju man.

I8URV8 · 04-17-2007, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurtis636

I'll be putting points on Arlovski in this one. I think he'll be able to stop the takedowns and he's got a clear advantage on his feet. Big Nog put Werdum on his butt several times and IMO, Arlovski hits harder than Nog.

I agree...I am thinkin an overhand right will do the trick.

Kentified · 04-17-2007, 05:07 PM

Werdum via sub round 2. That's all I have to say.

KungFuGrip · 04-17-2007, 05:17 PM

War Pitbull. Thanks for the post!

The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell · 04-18-2007, 11:12 PM

Does Arlovski normally have sharp Eye Teeth?