Legendary Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko on the air of The MMA Hour answered the questions of the journalist Ariel Helwani on a number of interesting topics. On April 28 in Rosemont, USA, Emelianenko will have a quarterfinal fight in the Grand Prix Bellator at the heavyweights against Frank Mir.
- Fans have been waiting for your fight with Frank Mir for a long time. What do you think about this confrontation?
- I think it will be a very good fight. Indeed, Frank was the champion of the UFC and our fans have been waiting for this fight for a long time. This fight will be interesting, for me this is a landmark event.
- Were there any thoughts of retiring after a fight with Mitrione?
- No, of course, I did not think about quitting. I wanted to fight further. What happened in the fight with Mitrione it happens sometimes.
- Before you Frank Miron was on the air in our program. He said that in your previous fights you had problems because of the transition from the ring to the cage, because your style is more suitable for performances in the ring.
- No, I do not think so. I feel equally well both in the ring and in the cage.
- During training for this fight did spar in the cage?
- Oh sure. I regularly use the cage both during preparation and in the off-season. At the moment I practically do not work in the ring, but I train in the cage.
- During the Countdown to Bellator 198, your mentors noted that you are in your best shape and have become more aggressive. Do you feel more attuned to yourself?
- I always tried to give it all 100%. About aggression - I do not know, I can not say. Of course, coaches want to see me strong for many more years, but on my own I can say that now I will try to give it all 100%.
- How do you feel about the Grand Prix Bellator in the heavyweight division?
- Such tournaments have always attracted attention. It is always interesting to see who will be the strongest and who will be the champion. For me, it is also a great joy to fight at this tournament with such well-known fighters. I am very happy about that.
- When fighters talk about you, they always do it with great respect, but Chael Sonnen speaks of you a little differently. If you win on Saturday, then you will become his rival. Are you motivated by the fact that you and he can meet in battle and he will have to answer for all his statements?
- I see no point in answering such statements. We will think about the fight with Sonnen after the fight with Mir, if God will give us a victory.
- Under your contract with Bellator you have to fight twice, including a fight with Mir?
- If you have questions about my contract, ask them Scott Coker (President of the Bellator). I can not disclose the terms.
- Two weeks ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov became the first UFC champion from Russia. How can you comment on his victory?
- Of course, I'm very happy that Khabib became the champion. Finally, the UFC leadership gave him a title fight. Though they had some problems with the rival, but still the fight was for the title.
- Did you communicate with him after his victory?
- We know each other, but I did not contact him, because I was preparing myself in Holland at the time.
- How much will you weigh on Friday at the weigh-in?
- Approximately 108 kilogram.
- You said that in the style of Frank Mir there were some weak points. Can you name one or two?
- After the fight (laughs).
