Alexander Emelianenko

Alexander Emelianenko:
«There is no difference for me who to fight with!»



Alexander Emelianenko is a tough as nails fighter out of Russia. He has an extensive background in Sambo, and is the brother of the world renowned Fedor Emelianenko. Alexander spent time competing in the now defunct Pride Fighting Championship and is a true force to be reckoned with. He was involved in Martial Arts from an early age and began his mixed martial arts career at 22 years of age debuing in the Pride Fighting Championships where he defeated experiended Brazillian Assuerio Silva, from his debut Alex's talent was spotted and he went on to fight a fuirther 7 times in Pride against top comeptition such as Sergei Kharitonov, Pawel Nastula and Josh Barnett.

ProMuscleMags Craig Somerville recently had the chance to catch up with one of the worlds Top Heavyweight MMA Fighters in Alexander Emelianenko.

Aleks is set to fight Paul Buenatello July 19th on the Affliction card along with his Brother Fedor Emelianenko, this is set to be an amazing card, so here we go:

Q) Hey Aleks, hows things?
A) I am fine, thank you.

Q) You are signed "non-exclusively" to M1-Global I believe? What are  your plans for 2008?  I am looking forward to seeing you in action more this year, where and when can we see you fight again?
A) Yes, I signed "non-exclusively" to M1-Global. I want to have more and more fights, I would like to fight! My next fight will be on July,19 in U.S.A. versus  Paul Buentello.  There is no information about next fights.

Q) Your fight with Mirko Crocop happened almost 4 years ago now, is  there any possibility we could see you rematch with Mirko Crocop!!!!!  Is this a fight you would want?
A) Yes, of course. I would like to have rematch with Mirko. I offered him to fight long ago, but he refused. My promoter (Vadim Finkelshtain) from time to time offers him rematch, but …    

Q) In the past there was a lot in the Media about your relationship with your brother Fedor and the Red Devil Club, where are you training now, do you and Fedor still train together or you train at 2 separate 
camps?
A) Yes, we are still in the same camp, but I live in Saint Petersburg, and Fedor lives in Stariy Oskol (Belgorod region, Russian Federation). We live in various cities. But, of course, when Fedor comes to St. Petersburg, we train together. Now I am training in Red Devil club, as other fighters of Red Devil FT.

Q) I see Fedor is signed to fight in the USA against Tim Sylvia, will  the US fans get chance to see you fighting there too?
A) Yes, we will fight in America in the same day. I signed the contract for 3 fights in USA, and all my American fans will see me there. 

Q)  How do you prepare for fights, both physically and mentally? You  always look so calm in the ring, when you fought James Thompson and he ran at you, you did not seem phased at all!
A) I prepare for all my fights, using the same scheme, the same strict schedule – there is no difference, who will be my next opponent. Very often I know his name only several days before the fight! And every fight is important for me. I always calm – in my life, and in the fight. This is one of my touches of nature. It is very difficult for somebody to make me flare up. There is no something special mental preparing. I am just thinking about pleasant things, about my wife, my little daughter (Polina), I know, they always see my fights, and I trying to win for their sake.

Q) Finally, who would you most like to fight this year and why?
A) Frankly speaking, there is no difference for me who to fight with. I don’t afraid of anybody. I would like to fight with best fighters of the world.

OK Alex, thanks a lot for taking the time to talk, it is much appreciated, I wish you all the best this year and look forward to seeing you fight July 19th!

I would like to thanks Natalya Bulanova for helping to make this interview possible.

For more information check out Alex’s website: http://www.alex.mixfight.ru/