Alexander Emelianenko: “My daughter makes me happy”

Popular Russian heavyweight Alexander Emelianenko talks about his fight with Kenny Garner on M-1 Challenge 31, sparring sessions with Fedor and possible revenge with Magomed Malikov

- Alexander, do you take your brother for a model in everything about religion?

- Yes, of course I do. I believe in God, I go to church usually

- Are you going to fight in M-1 regularly or do you have the contracts for only one fight? Is it possible for you to fight for the title, if you will win against Garner?

– I was talking with Vadim Finkelstein right before press conference that we made today. I am always ready to fight for M-1. After M-1 Challenge 31 he needs to figure out the schedule of the next tournaments, and then he can tell me, when I can get my next fight and who will be my next opponent

- Have you ever been in Belarus? What do you think about the sportsmen from this country?

- I have never been in Belarus, but, of course, I respect Belorussian sportsmen. Actually, I don’t know why are you asking about it, because for me it doesn’t matter if sportsman is from Belarus, Ukraine or any other country, I respect them all

- What do you usually think right before the fight?

– Actually, I don’t even know. Ask me again after my next fight, I will try to keep in mind my pre-fight thoughts and share them with you

- Do you feel Fedor’s power when you train with him? Is he stronger than you physically?

– Of course I do! He is stronger physically, tactically and technically, no doubt about it!

- Where do you see yourself, when your fighting career will be over? Would you like to be, for example, the minister of sport in Russia?

- Hopefully, I will fight for so long time, that maybe there will be no ministries when I will finally retire (laughs)

- Where are you going to prepare for the fight with Garner? To what components you are going to pay the most of your attention during the preparations?

- I’m going to prepare for this fight in Russia, in different cities: Moscow, St.-Petersburg. I will work a lot on my wrestling and boxing skills. Kenny is a good wrestler, he has good stamina

- Do you like freestyle wrestling?

- Yes, I like it very much. I train a lot with freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers, I always try to notice and remember some moves that I can use in MMA

- What is happiness for you?

- Happiness for me is my daughter, my family, the woman I love

- Which of your fights do you remember the most?

- I remember them all, they all were tough and important

- Would you like to fight against Magomed Malikov again? Why didn’t you choose him as you opponent for March?

- It’s better to ask Vadim Finkelstein about it. As far as I know, there was an offer, but he declined to organize this fight. As for me, I would like to have revenge very much

- Do you have any hobbies?

– Of course, I do. What hobby? It’s a secret

- Do you realize that you are an idol for many fans? How do you react when people around you pay a lot of attention to your person?

– I am just a normal sportsman, I spend the most of my time in training gym. I meet the fans everyday, many of them recognize me, that’s cool

- Are there any negotiations about the possible fight with Sergei Kharitonov?

– No. I would not like to meet, talk or write about this person anymore

- Do you have any plans for AE Team?

– I do, but it’s only me and my director in this team at this moment, no other sportsmen. Other guys don’t have enough time and motivation. When they realized that professional sports is serious thing, they told me: “Sorry, Alexander, maybe that stuff is not for us”

- Are you going to make training camps in Holland with Fedor? What about your brother Ivan, where is he now?

- Yes, I like Dutch coaches and training process very much. Ivan is in St.-Petersburg now. He’s working and studying in university

http://www.m-1global.com/2012/02/22/alexander-emelianenko-my-daughter-makes-me-happy/

Aleks hates Sergei

Can't wait for Guram-Aleks.

I would love to see Aleks win the belt!

Sweet Pea Is My Mom wrote:Can't wait for Guram-Aleks.

It would be a great fight for both, Aleks for fighting a new guy on the rise and Guram to prove himself against a big name. His fights so far were very fast, Aleks probably would make us know what he's made of.

Nice interview too, thanks for posting. I like the part he talks about family and his answer to the Belarus question.

don't count out Kenny Gardner he is still dangerous.

Alex will always have my support win or lose. The guy still has so much potential in any combat sport. GOAT & Alex & Sergei are the people I'll always look up to.