Widely considered the best heavyweight fighter in the world, Fedor Emelianenko talks about his upcoming clash with Hong-Man Choi on New Year's Eve, his future plans with M-1 Global and his desire to face Randy Couture. You don't want to miss it!
PC: I'm honored to get this interview with you Fedor. Thanks for your time. How are you doing?
FE: I'm glad as well. I'm doing fine.
PC: How has training gone for your M-1 debut against Hong-Man Choi?
FE: The same as usual. Making final preparations for the fight. The basic work has been done. Now I'm training once a day. I'm working on my speed and endurance.
PC: It'll be more than eight months since your last fight when you step inside the ring. Have you been training this entire time?
FE: Of course. I've been training all this time, giving seminars and partaking in Combat Sambo.
PC: You've signed a 6-fight deal with M-1 Global. How much relief is it for you to have a deal done and can be active again?
FE: Yes, I'm happy indeed. Finally, I signed a contract and now I can make my fans happy again.
PC: You recently won another Sambo championship. How important was it for you to sign a deal that allowed you to continue to compete in Sambo tournaments?
FE: Participating in Combat Sambo Tournaments was one of my main demands. I want to compete there. I represent Russia. Had I signed with the UFC, I wouldn't have this opportunity.
PC: What would you say was the biggest factor in you not signing with the UFC?
FE: The unacceptable terms.
PC: Do you feel like fighting in a ring is more beneficial to your style than fighting in a cage?
FE: It doesn't matter. To me, the most important thing isn't the place where you fight, but the opponent and how you can handle the fight's technique. It all depends upon your skills. Basically, there are differences between the cage and the ring, but I wouldn't have a lot of problems with this though. The main thing is to feel the distance.
PC: In your last fight, you fought the smallest guy you've ever fought in Matt Lindland and now you'll be facing the biggest guy in MMA. How do you plan on closing the distance and chopping down Choi?
FE: As usual, I'll try to win the bout with my speed.
PC: You'll come into this fight with a major edge in experience over Choi.
FE: The experience is a major advantage, but my opponent is strong and worthy of respect.
PC: Choi is 7'2, do you see yourself in a striking match or will you try to overwhelm him and take him to the ground and submit him?
FE: It all depends on the situation ringside.
PC: Were you surprised at how much Randy's decision to leave the UFC was based on them not being able to secure a fight with you?
FE: Randy is a very strong opponent. I have a ton of respect for him for that and I'm ready to fight him in the ring.
PC: What did you think of Dana White's comments about you not being a top 5 heavyweight?
FE: Dana talks too much and uses words lightly. Allow this fight that everyone wants to take place. Me, Randy and MMA fans all over the world want it. The only obstacle is Dana.
PC: Would you like to fight guys like Randy Couture and Josh Barnett in the future?
FE: I think that fights with these fighters are possible in the future. M-1 opens greater opportunities for sportsmen.
PC: Why do you think a fighter like Cro Cop has struggled so much in the UFC?
FE: You better ask Randy about that.
PC: You're one of the calmest fighters I've ever seen, even when in distress in a fight. Where does that come from?
FE: It's my character. I'm a rather calm person in life. This is my job and I try to do it well.
PC: M-1 Global has pretty much put their organization on your back. Does that add any pressure on you to perform?
FE: I believe in this organization. It's made up of good people. M-1 gives the champions an opportunity to meet each other in the ring without being locked in with one promotion. It also opens broad opportunities for myself.
PC: You made your name in Japan. How excited are you to be fighting back in Japan on New Year`s Eve?
FE: I'm extremelly happy to fight in Japan again. This is a tradition and thanks to M-1 Global, we maintain it. I'll do my best to keep the fans worldwide satisfied.
PC: What would you say to the people that feel like you took the easy way out in signing with M-1 when the more talented heavyweights are in the UFC?
FE: There are many good fighters in the UFC, but not every tough heavyweight is signed there.
PC: Fedor, it's an honor to do this interview as I said before. Good luck in your fight with Choi. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
FE: I have the best team and the wisest trainers. I'll do my best to make my fans happy and give them an entertaining performance.
