Some time ago Brazilian Martial Arts magazine Planet Tatame held an interview with Fedor
PTT: Do you believe that one of the most anticipated bouts of the last times, namely the fight between you and Randy Couture, will finally take place in 2008? What do you think about Couture?
- Fedor: Randy is one of the best fighters and he proved it numerous times. I still hope this fight will take place in 2008. As far as I know Randy’s got some troubles with the UFC. We couldn’t come to an agreement with them regarding this fight and the contract. We were offered unacceptable conditions.
- PTT: Another fight that many people want to see is Fedor Emelianenko versus Josh Barnett. There are some rumors on the internet about the realization of this fight in a future M-1 event in the USA. Is there some negotiation going on right now regarding this fight? What do you think about Josh?
- Fedor: We are good friends with Josh. We always walk when not too far from each other. If we don’t catch up then we exchange e-mails. I heard this fight is planned but I don’t know much at the moment.
- PTT: Did the fight against Hong Man Choi happen in the way that you expected or it was tougher?
- Fedor: I never expect fights to be easier or tougher. I always tune up for the hardest and prolonged bouts. But then it goes the way it goes. As for this fight I’m satisfied with the way it went and how I performed.
- PTT: What is the reason that you think that could explain the bad results in the UFC of former PRIDE stars like Mirko Cro Cop and Mauricio Shogun?
- Fedor: Well, Mirko...something broke in him, he lost the motivation. He was the crowd’s favorite while in Pride, everyone was there to help him if needed. As for Mauricio, he’s not a constant fighter, he show incredible fights with a good technique and high speed. But sometimes his fights are just too long and not very impressive. He’s a very good wellrounded fighter and I don’t understand why he’s so unstable.
- PTT: What was your tougher fight: Cro Cop or Minotauro?
- Fedor: These two bouts were rather tough. In both of these fights I tried to apply all my skills and experience. I can’t really say which one was tougher though. They are two completely different fighters that’s why it was just different and hard to compare.
- PTT: When will happen your next fight and against who?
- Fedor: I can’t officially say when my next fight is taking place but I know for sure it’ll be in the US this spring. The details will be revealed soon.
- PTT: Is there any revelation in Red Devil that you think that is prepared to follow your steps in MMA? Does Kiril Sidelnikov continue to train with you?
- Fedor: There are enough skilled, talented up-and-coming fighters but they lack experience in performing on a major scene.
- PTT: Do you know when your brother Aleksander will fight again? Has he been training with you lately?
- Fedor: Well, I don’t know, these question will better be answered by our manager Vadim Finkelstein. We haven’t trained together recently. I train in Stary Oskol while he prepares for his fights in Saint Petersburg.
- PTT: Russia is the home of the legendary Aleksander Karelin and other great wrestlers. Why do you think that the best russian fighters in MMA come from Sambo and not from Wrestling? Are you a fan of Karelin?
- Fedor: People come in MMA from diverse styles. The transition itself is not organized in Russia. MMA is not that popluar here compared with Brazil, USA or Japan. Russian fighters’mentality is not the right one, not a fighter’s mentality. Sambo is close to MMA, closer than greco-roman or free-style wrestling. I highly respect Karelin, he’s a good fighter. But I don’t make an idol of anyone.
- PTT: What is the importance of Sambo in your life?
- Fedor: Sambo is my sport and I proudly represent it abroad. Sambo is exciting and dynamic style. I still intend to represent Russia in this sport.
- PTT: Fedor, most of the martial arts fans here in Brazil and all over the world have you as an idol and support you in your fights. It happens not only due to your great fight skills and versatility but also due to your humility and character. Feel free to send your message to all your fans.
- Fedor: Thank you very much for your kind words. I’m very pleased I got fans in Brazil who like my fights and technique. I’ve always dreamt of visiting Brazil one day, but it’s been a dream which hasn’t come true today. I hope to see you there soon.
