Fedor Emelianenko Speaks to Sports911: Still Negotiating with Bodog and PRIDE

Sports911.com had an opportunity to sit down and speak with Fedor Emelianenko, widely recognized as one of the best fighters in the MMA today, if not the best.  Fedor had arrived in Russia where he prepared to take on Matt Lindland in Saturday evening's big pay per view event: BodogFight Clash of Nations (ordering info can be found here)

On BodogFight Clash of Nations…

The fact that I’m part of the fighters who represent Russia is an honor.

If I win I will add one more win to our team, that is why I have more responsibility. When I fight, I fight for myself, but in a way it is for my country and here it is also a team.

On climate of Mixed Martial Arts in Russia…

The interest in fighting is growing rapidly and catching up so fast [with boxing] and what is being done by Bodog in Russia will definitely give a jump start for the sport in Russia.

The organization of Bodog is a very high caliber so far.

The Bodog rules will not be a problem and making the switch will not be a problem.
 

On Fighting Matt Lindland…

Haven’t really done anything special to prepare for Lindland. I have quite a lot of techniques already and plenty of diversity that will make things difficult for him.

[at 211 pounds] Matt isn’t really that much lighter than me at this point. The weight is not the main thing, it is the techniques that he possess that will make this a difficult fight.

On Training for This Fight

This is an area famous for its strong people. We like to train in the mountains for very serious fights. The high elevation is good for cardio and muscle endurance.

Fedor Emelianko is skilled in Sambo, which he describes as "a universal style and stacks up against other styles very well because the fighters are not limited as much as in other styles".  Contrary to what has been reported in the press, Emelianko never had the opportunity to train Sambo in the army but he has been training in Sambo since the age of 11. 

I train to be able to turn on for the fight itself and I have good trainers who help me prepare and (remain calm).

Young fighters need to start training with their heads. Think about what they are doing so that they are not wasting energy. The manner that you conduct the fight, the mentality, I think, comes with time.

Who do you consider to be some of the best up and comers in MMA?

There are many good up and comers across the world but in our club we have some really talented young fighters, Mikial Ziak (sp?) in particular.

On only loss…

When he (Tsuyoshi Kohsaka) attempted to punch me, he missed me and hit me with an elbow that cut me very badly. In my mind there was no fight as such. The rules were that he couldn’t use elbows. It was in Japan with a Japanese opponent so he won because nobody took any objections. I don’t even consider it to be a loss. I am pretty defensive about it because we didn’t even have a chance to fight, so for me it’s not even really a loss. So when I came back, I came back as if nothing had happened, ready to fight.

Important Qualities for a Fighter in the MMA....

I have a strong will, that comes first. Also, being goal oriented. I would like to continue to go on without losses and remain the strongest fighter in the world as long as possible. Eventually somebody will come and replace me at some point though. I hope I can keep that from happening for some time.

On Current Contract Negotiations

A major sticking point with Fedor is the controversy surrounding his relationship with PRIDE and the ongoing contract negotiations.  PRIDE recently came under the UFC umbrella while Bodog is doing all they can to attract Fedor Emelianenko long term.  Fedor remains tight-lipped for the most part.   

"I am in negotiations with both Pride and Bodog but that is a question for my manager," told Sports911.com. 

What Does Fedor Emelianenko Like to do in His Spare Time?

In my spare time I like to spend as much time as I can with my family and friends. I like to read and draw. Many people who I show my artwork to like it. You can see it on my web site. I don’t think it will ever be anything more than a hobby though.  (Fedor's website can be found here)

To The Fans...

I would like to thank [the fans] very much for the support [they] provide me. All that I do I do for the fans. I will do all I can to work as hard as I can to continue to win for the fans.

On Fedor's Brother Aleksander Who is Fighting Eric Pele the Same Night

I don’t know what my brother did for training. He made a decision to train on his own. We trained in the mountains and Aleks trained here in St Petersburg.

(jokingly) Whoever Aleks loses to I will have to face to protect the honor of the family. Aleks is responsible for himself and his record will stand on the way he trained. So depending on how well he trained will determine his performance. So we hope he had good training.

On the Future…

Maybe in the future I will have to face Eric Pele. But Matt has very rich experience. He is one of the best fighters in the world and I’m not looking past this fight too much.

----

Christopher Costigan, Sports911.com

Originally published April 13, 2007 1:18 pm ET