411Mania Exclusive Interview with Fedor Emelianenko
Posted by Jose Chavez on 10.23.2007
The last Russian emperor takes time to chat with 411mania!
As part of 411Mania's press coverage at M-1 Global's inaugural press conference (check out our full report of the M-1 press conference here), we were given five minutes of one on one interview time with MMA world champion Fedor Emelianenko. Fedor sat calm and stoic as has become his trademark, sipping a complimentary screwdriver and marveling at the line of media waiting to speak with him. We would like to thank M-1 and all those who helped us make this interview happen.
411Mania.com: How do you like New York City? Have you seen the sights?
Fedor Emelianenko: Yes, not much yet, we took a walk…we looked around.
411Mania: It's been 6 months since you've last fought, in this time have you engaged in any specific training? How have you remained active in this period?
Fedor: Of course I kept going with training; I just had a competition in Combat Sambo and soon I will fight for the championship; that will take place in November.
411Mania: Your Brother just defeated Dan Bobish in Canada, did you see the fight? What were your thoughts?
Fedor: Yes, well all I can say is Alexander is one head taller than Dan Bobish (laughs) so he was stronger!
411Mania: We saw Gabriel Gonzaga score an upset knock out win off Mirko Filipovic…do you feel that the Heavyweights are getting stronger, that the level of skill is higher now?
Fedor: *pauses* Yes i think the skill level is growing. The fights are becoming better, more interesting and brilliant.
411Mania: Do you think that now that Nogueira is in the UFC, that he will take the title, and be the top fighter in the organization?
Fedor: Yes, of all the fighters, I believe he is the best.
411Mania: In an earlier interview, you stated that you and Josh Barnett would engage in a vodka drinking contest. What was the result?
Fedor: *smiles* Well if we are drinking vodka, I definitley won, But it was just a friendly conversation really; we didn't have a goal to over drink each other but we had lots of fun.
411Mania: Fedor, it was an honor and a privilege to meet you. We will continue to support you in your future fights.
