Post by moogie101 on May 17, 2007 1:07:46 GMT -5
-Thought some here might appreciate this..
I got this from Xanadu at sherdog.
This is a translation of Fedor's latest phone interview for those who are curious.
The translation is as close to literal as possible (with some exceptions).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Do you think UFC's purchase of PRIDE will influence MMA's development? Will it change the world of MMA? And how do you see Bodog as a prospect?
A: I don't know whether it will influence MMA for better or worse but I hope for the better. However, for the moment it isn't very positive because currently we are dealing with UFC's, and hence, PRIDE's management, and can't arrive to a mutual decision because UFC's management is basically trying to dictate their conditions to us.
Bodog's success depends on how they present their fights and promote themselves, since today Bodog isn't as popular as PRIDE or UFC.
---
Q: Changing PRIDE rules to disallow kicking of opponents on the ground - good or bad decision?
A: I don't think it's all that good of a decision, since initially PRIDE had different rules, and the audience and fans liked them. Changing the rules can cause the loss of fans. It wouldn't be the first time it happened either.
---
Q: Can you tell us where you're going to compete next, Japan or US, PRIDE or UFC? And whom are you planning to sign your next contract with?
A: At the moment there is no contract. And somehow we can't seem to arrive to a mutual agreement. We're currently having negotiations with K-1 and Bodog as well, so it's not yet clear where we're going to end up competing.
---
Q: How will PRIDE be affected by the loss of such fighters as CroCop, Werdum, Nogueira and others, since they are PRIDE's elite?
A: As I understood it, it's not a complete loss. These fighters will compete in both orgs. And during the discussion of my contract, UFC/PRIDE management have set the conditions that I will fight in both orgs. Therefore, I don't think it's a complete loss.
---
Q: There are many situations in life where it's very difficult to restrain yourself from being rude, offensive, acting like a jerk etc. How do you behave yourself having such physical abilities?
A: I usually socialize with the type of people who do not exhibit such behavior. And I also try to avoid the type of people who are rude, act like jerks and so on. But if I still come across them, I try to verbally resolve any problems and explain that they are wrong. I don't really experience such situations anyway, so I don't know what else to add to this. Everyone is polite with me and never rude.
[LoL, no surprises there]
---
Q: How do the fighters behave themselves outside the ring? How is it different from their behavior in the ring?
A: Fighters often put on a show when it comes to the ring, either acting nasty or similar. In reality, everything is a lot simpler - we socialize and laugh. Wanderlei, for example, is a very happy and pleasant person but acts like a mean opponent in the ring.
I'm also on good terms with American fighters. And they usually behave themselves in a friendly and respectful manner with me.
Fighters like Mirko and Nogueira are also very friendly and sociable, if we don't have an upcoming fight against each other. However, if it is close to a fight, then at most they'll just say "Hello" and try to avoid me.
---
Q: Are there any of the known fighters that you don't like? If yes, for what reason? And were there any unpleasant comments from them towards you?
A: There were a lot of comments towards me, both, pleasant and unpleasant. Unpleasant comments, of course, aren't very enjoyable to hear. However, I don't really dislike any fighter specifically. I understand that many of them just do it to attract attention. So, basically, we are all on friendly terms.
---
Q: What rules would you change in a fight?
A: For the most part I'm satisfied with everything. I don't think about changing the rules.
---
Q: Ring or cage? What do you like most, regardless of the rules?
A: I think it makes no difference to me. I trained in a cage initially. For the most part, there isn't any difference to me.
---
Q: Tell us what you think about doping. Do you know of any fighters who take advantage of a practically non-existent doping control? And who are they?
A: I basically like UFC's approach to it. PRIDE is a little more relaxed when it comes to that. They often close their eyes on doping control, as far as I know. I know some fighters who take advantage of it but I won't name anyone because I think it's their personal business, as well as the organization's, in which they compete. If an organization chooses to close their eyes, it doesn't mean I should be talking bad about someone specifically.
---
Q: Were you invited to a planned grand tournament in Los Angeles on June 2nd, by any chance?
A: June 2nd, no. Pretty quiet for now. Nothing like that yet.
---
Q: What is your impression of training with Netherlands kick-boxers? Why did you specifically choose them for training?
A: I consider them to be the best kick-boxers in the world, which is why I went to train with them to improve my striking skills. We're on great terms. One of our managers is from Netherlands (Sapi), so he organized our meetings with the leading fighters there.
---
Q: Whom do you consider to be the best MMA fighter, besides yourself?
A: I don't consider myself to be the best fighter and I haven't really thought about it before but I consider Randy Couture, Mirko CroCop, Antonio Nogueira and Andrei Arlovski to be very good fighters. In other words, there are many interesting fighters out there, who deserve recognition and respect.
---
Q: When will the Netherlands fans have an opportunity to be in a seminar with your participation?
A: There were no talks about it yet. I don't exactly know when. Right now I have a lot of training to do myself, so the time required to organize such seminars means that someone from Netherlands would have to do the organizing part.
---
Q: Based on your training with various fighters from Netherlands, how do you rate yourself in kick-boxing? And would you want to participate in a fight with K-1 rules?
A: I think everyone should pursue their field of interest. I'm an MMA fighter and my interests are different from someone like Ernesto Hoost, whose interests have been Thai boxing and kick boxing his whole life. I want to compete in my field of interest, which is MMA.
---
Q: In your opinion, how suitable is Judo for MMA?
A: I think that Judo is very beneficial to MMA. However, it's not so much about Judo, as it is about whether a fighter, who completed his amateur career in Judo, is able to transition and develop as an MMA fighter.
---
Q: Do you expand your style (for example, kicking) or just perfect an already formed style?
A: I always try to expand and always improve my technique. And I do pay a lot of attention to my legs/kicks. I haven't yet developed my legs to automatism. I hope that everything will soon "fly" and be on automatic/autopilot.
---
Q: Very interesting to know if Vadim Finkelstein [Fedor's manager] has studied any fighting styles and participated in competitions. And if yes, which styles and what are his achievements, if any?
A: No, he hasn't practiced any fighting techniques. He lives a healthy lifestyle, works on his fitness, visits gym every day but he never competed as a professional fighter.
---
Q: Is there a possibility that you could compete in PRIDE's ring against your brother Aleks?
A: I don't think there is such a possibility. Although, I think Aleks does have such a wish. At least, he always talks about it. [Fedor sighs and sounds a bit sad when answering this question]
---
Q: What do you think about the latest upsets where top fighters end up losing?
A: Well, if you're talking about Wanderlei Silva, then, for example, he fought with CroCop and with Dan Henderson. I consider them to be also top fighters, and someone had to lose.
If you're talking about Mirko, then, in my opinion, he simply couldn't focus himself. He was more skilled and experienced, and his class was much higher than of Brazilian fighter but he didn't see a strike. I hope that it will only make him bounce back like after the fight with Randleman. He came back and started KO'ing opponents again.
Q: Rumors say that there are people who can and do beat Fedor Emelianenko in Combat Sambo. For example, there is information that there is a skilled fighter in the Republic of Adygeya, who is unknown to the masses due to his lack of exposure. Can you verify or deny this information and name any names? Thanks.
A: Well, today getting to compete in Combat Sambo competition is not like in MMA. In other words, in MMA you have to earn a spot to be able to compete in a particular organization, someone has to promote you, they have to look at you first and management has to make a decision whether to accept you or not. In Combat Sambo, however, any fighter in Russia can try and enter a competition against me, if they like.
As for the fighter from Adygeya, I saw him, if it's the same fighter you're referring to. I competed against him and he did not prove to be a competition.
In any case, any fighter can enter the Sambo Championship in Russia and try to show and prove himself against me, if they like. Last competition was won by me. And I will represent Russia on the next World Sambo Championship.
---
Q: Question from a young fighter from St. Petersburg who'd like to train with you - If I move to Staryi Oskol, do I have a chance to begin training with you? What would be an optimal time to arrive?
A: I don't see a reason to move from St. Petersburg to Staryi Oskol because we have a school in St. Petersburg. There are a lot of good trainers there and I often train in both schools when traveling between Staryi Oskol and St. Petersburg. Each school is great and we are going to try and raise fighters in both.
---
Q: Whom did you want to be as a kid?
A: As a kid I always tried to achieve high results in sports but it was only a dream because I wasn't a very prospective fighter or athlete. There were big athletic guys, and let's just say, I wasn't included in their numbers.
Otherwise, I also dreamed to become a cosmonaut like all kids, I think.
---
Q: What else do you like besides sport?
A: I like spending time with friends and family.
---
Q: Do you continue to draw?
A: Yes, I draw a little from time to time. I like it. It keeps me calm. I also like to read. I'm currently reading "Dark Alleys" by Bunin, very interesting. I recommend it.
---
Q: Would be interesting to know your favorite movie stars, native and foreign.
A: I will say right away that one of my favorites is Serebyakov - very interesting person and I always followed his career. I also like Evgeny Siddikhin. Otherwise, we have many talented actors.
From foreign actors I like Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson.
---
Q: Favorite musicians?
A: I really like Sting. Also, Mylène Farmer.
From Russian musicians I like [...unclear due to editing of recording], Maxim, DDT etc. I like various kinds of music. Absolutely different kinds.
---
Q: Unusual question - what is your foot size and what is Aleks' foot size?
A: We have roughly the same foot size - 46. Although his is a little wider.
---
Q: Did creating a new family early help to stimulate your career or was it somewhat of a distraction?
A: Well, I don't think it was that early. I got married when I was 23. I think it stimulated me in preparation for the fights - I already had a family and my daughter was born, so the monetary question stood very sharply, which is why I went into fighting. That is from an amateur sport into fighting.
---
Q: And a last question - are you a happy person? If you had an opportunity, would you want to change something in your current life or would you leave everything as it is?
A: I'm a very happy person, I think. I would change some things, of course. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy. I like my current lifestyle.
======================================== ==========
I got this from Xanadu at sherdog.
This is a translation of Fedor's latest phone interview for those who are curious.
The translation is as close to literal as possible (with some exceptions).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Do you think UFC's purchase of PRIDE will influence MMA's development? Will it change the world of MMA? And how do you see Bodog as a prospect?
A: I don't know whether it will influence MMA for better or worse but I hope for the better. However, for the moment it isn't very positive because currently we are dealing with UFC's, and hence, PRIDE's management, and can't arrive to a mutual decision because UFC's management is basically trying to dictate their conditions to us.
Bodog's success depends on how they present their fights and promote themselves, since today Bodog isn't as popular as PRIDE or UFC.
---
Q: Changing PRIDE rules to disallow kicking of opponents on the ground - good or bad decision?
A: I don't think it's all that good of a decision, since initially PRIDE had different rules, and the audience and fans liked them. Changing the rules can cause the loss of fans. It wouldn't be the first time it happened either.
---
Q: Can you tell us where you're going to compete next, Japan or US, PRIDE or UFC? And whom are you planning to sign your next contract with?
A: At the moment there is no contract. And somehow we can't seem to arrive to a mutual agreement. We're currently having negotiations with K-1 and Bodog as well, so it's not yet clear where we're going to end up competing.
---
Q: How will PRIDE be affected by the loss of such fighters as CroCop, Werdum, Nogueira and others, since they are PRIDE's elite?
A: As I understood it, it's not a complete loss. These fighters will compete in both orgs. And during the discussion of my contract, UFC/PRIDE management have set the conditions that I will fight in both orgs. Therefore, I don't think it's a complete loss.
---
Q: There are many situations in life where it's very difficult to restrain yourself from being rude, offensive, acting like a jerk etc. How do you behave yourself having such physical abilities?
A: I usually socialize with the type of people who do not exhibit such behavior. And I also try to avoid the type of people who are rude, act like jerks and so on. But if I still come across them, I try to verbally resolve any problems and explain that they are wrong. I don't really experience such situations anyway, so I don't know what else to add to this. Everyone is polite with me and never rude.
[LoL, no surprises there]
---
Q: How do the fighters behave themselves outside the ring? How is it different from their behavior in the ring?
A: Fighters often put on a show when it comes to the ring, either acting nasty or similar. In reality, everything is a lot simpler - we socialize and laugh. Wanderlei, for example, is a very happy and pleasant person but acts like a mean opponent in the ring.
I'm also on good terms with American fighters. And they usually behave themselves in a friendly and respectful manner with me.
Fighters like Mirko and Nogueira are also very friendly and sociable, if we don't have an upcoming fight against each other. However, if it is close to a fight, then at most they'll just say "Hello" and try to avoid me.
---
Q: Are there any of the known fighters that you don't like? If yes, for what reason? And were there any unpleasant comments from them towards you?
A: There were a lot of comments towards me, both, pleasant and unpleasant. Unpleasant comments, of course, aren't very enjoyable to hear. However, I don't really dislike any fighter specifically. I understand that many of them just do it to attract attention. So, basically, we are all on friendly terms.
---
Q: What rules would you change in a fight?
A: For the most part I'm satisfied with everything. I don't think about changing the rules.
---
Q: Ring or cage? What do you like most, regardless of the rules?
A: I think it makes no difference to me. I trained in a cage initially. For the most part, there isn't any difference to me.
---
Q: Tell us what you think about doping. Do you know of any fighters who take advantage of a practically non-existent doping control? And who are they?
A: I basically like UFC's approach to it. PRIDE is a little more relaxed when it comes to that. They often close their eyes on doping control, as far as I know. I know some fighters who take advantage of it but I won't name anyone because I think it's their personal business, as well as the organization's, in which they compete. If an organization chooses to close their eyes, it doesn't mean I should be talking bad about someone specifically.
---
Q: Were you invited to a planned grand tournament in Los Angeles on June 2nd, by any chance?
A: June 2nd, no. Pretty quiet for now. Nothing like that yet.
---
Q: What is your impression of training with Netherlands kick-boxers? Why did you specifically choose them for training?
A: I consider them to be the best kick-boxers in the world, which is why I went to train with them to improve my striking skills. We're on great terms. One of our managers is from Netherlands (Sapi), so he organized our meetings with the leading fighters there.
---
Q: Whom do you consider to be the best MMA fighter, besides yourself?
A: I don't consider myself to be the best fighter and I haven't really thought about it before but I consider Randy Couture, Mirko CroCop, Antonio Nogueira and Andrei Arlovski to be very good fighters. In other words, there are many interesting fighters out there, who deserve recognition and respect.
---
Q: When will the Netherlands fans have an opportunity to be in a seminar with your participation?
A: There were no talks about it yet. I don't exactly know when. Right now I have a lot of training to do myself, so the time required to organize such seminars means that someone from Netherlands would have to do the organizing part.
---
Q: Based on your training with various fighters from Netherlands, how do you rate yourself in kick-boxing? And would you want to participate in a fight with K-1 rules?
A: I think everyone should pursue their field of interest. I'm an MMA fighter and my interests are different from someone like Ernesto Hoost, whose interests have been Thai boxing and kick boxing his whole life. I want to compete in my field of interest, which is MMA.
---
Q: In your opinion, how suitable is Judo for MMA?
A: I think that Judo is very beneficial to MMA. However, it's not so much about Judo, as it is about whether a fighter, who completed his amateur career in Judo, is able to transition and develop as an MMA fighter.
---
Q: Do you expand your style (for example, kicking) or just perfect an already formed style?
A: I always try to expand and always improve my technique. And I do pay a lot of attention to my legs/kicks. I haven't yet developed my legs to automatism. I hope that everything will soon "fly" and be on automatic/autopilot.
---
Q: Very interesting to know if Vadim Finkelstein [Fedor's manager] has studied any fighting styles and participated in competitions. And if yes, which styles and what are his achievements, if any?
A: No, he hasn't practiced any fighting techniques. He lives a healthy lifestyle, works on his fitness, visits gym every day but he never competed as a professional fighter.
---
Q: Is there a possibility that you could compete in PRIDE's ring against your brother Aleks?
A: I don't think there is such a possibility. Although, I think Aleks does have such a wish. At least, he always talks about it. [Fedor sighs and sounds a bit sad when answering this question]
---
Q: What do you think about the latest upsets where top fighters end up losing?
A: Well, if you're talking about Wanderlei Silva, then, for example, he fought with CroCop and with Dan Henderson. I consider them to be also top fighters, and someone had to lose.
If you're talking about Mirko, then, in my opinion, he simply couldn't focus himself. He was more skilled and experienced, and his class was much higher than of Brazilian fighter but he didn't see a strike. I hope that it will only make him bounce back like after the fight with Randleman. He came back and started KO'ing opponents again.
Q: Rumors say that there are people who can and do beat Fedor Emelianenko in Combat Sambo. For example, there is information that there is a skilled fighter in the Republic of Adygeya, who is unknown to the masses due to his lack of exposure. Can you verify or deny this information and name any names? Thanks.
A: Well, today getting to compete in Combat Sambo competition is not like in MMA. In other words, in MMA you have to earn a spot to be able to compete in a particular organization, someone has to promote you, they have to look at you first and management has to make a decision whether to accept you or not. In Combat Sambo, however, any fighter in Russia can try and enter a competition against me, if they like.
As for the fighter from Adygeya, I saw him, if it's the same fighter you're referring to. I competed against him and he did not prove to be a competition.
In any case, any fighter can enter the Sambo Championship in Russia and try to show and prove himself against me, if they like. Last competition was won by me. And I will represent Russia on the next World Sambo Championship.
---
Q: Question from a young fighter from St. Petersburg who'd like to train with you - If I move to Staryi Oskol, do I have a chance to begin training with you? What would be an optimal time to arrive?
A: I don't see a reason to move from St. Petersburg to Staryi Oskol because we have a school in St. Petersburg. There are a lot of good trainers there and I often train in both schools when traveling between Staryi Oskol and St. Petersburg. Each school is great and we are going to try and raise fighters in both.
---
Q: Whom did you want to be as a kid?
A: As a kid I always tried to achieve high results in sports but it was only a dream because I wasn't a very prospective fighter or athlete. There were big athletic guys, and let's just say, I wasn't included in their numbers.
Otherwise, I also dreamed to become a cosmonaut like all kids, I think.
---
Q: What else do you like besides sport?
A: I like spending time with friends and family.
---
Q: Do you continue to draw?
A: Yes, I draw a little from time to time. I like it. It keeps me calm. I also like to read. I'm currently reading "Dark Alleys" by Bunin, very interesting. I recommend it.
---
Q: Would be interesting to know your favorite movie stars, native and foreign.
A: I will say right away that one of my favorites is Serebyakov - very interesting person and I always followed his career. I also like Evgeny Siddikhin. Otherwise, we have many talented actors.
From foreign actors I like Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson.
---
Q: Favorite musicians?
A: I really like Sting. Also, Mylène Farmer.
From Russian musicians I like [...unclear due to editing of recording], Maxim, DDT etc. I like various kinds of music. Absolutely different kinds.
---
Q: Unusual question - what is your foot size and what is Aleks' foot size?
A: We have roughly the same foot size - 46. Although his is a little wider.
---
Q: Did creating a new family early help to stimulate your career or was it somewhat of a distraction?
A: Well, I don't think it was that early. I got married when I was 23. I think it stimulated me in preparation for the fights - I already had a family and my daughter was born, so the monetary question stood very sharply, which is why I went into fighting. That is from an amateur sport into fighting.
---
Q: And a last question - are you a happy person? If you had an opportunity, would you want to change something in your current life or would you leave everything as it is?
A: I'm a very happy person, I think. I would change some things, of course. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy. I like my current lifestyle.
======================================== ==========
