Just because Fedor Emelianenko isnāt interested in competing inside of an Octagon, it hasnāt deterred the Russian from keeping a watchful eye on his stateside counterparts. While many have argued his primitive training methods wonāt stack up with whatās currently going on in rival camps, Emelianenko prefers the comforts of home.
However, it appears the secretive heavyweight is open to allowing a certain outsider to enter his inner circle.
āFirstly, when I train in the mountains in remote areas I train in the high altitude where itās very cold ā even near freezing,ā Fedor said during Thursdayās conference call. āIt just makes the entire training process that much more difficult, which I believe is beneficial because if I can get through it then Iāll be that much better for it.
āAnother reason I do it is because nobody bothers me. All I do up there is train, eat and sleep. And all I need to concentrate on is the entire process of my training regimen without any distractions. I believe thatās what allows me to be in maximum shape leading up to a fight.ā
While this formula has worked flawlessly throughout most of his illustrious career, the 34āyear-old will be looking to bounce back from his first loss in nearly a decade, which has many believing change is long overdue.
If thatās the case, Emelianenko is open to exchanging with some new sparring partners. The worldās former/current top 265-pounder has a prior UFC interim champion sitting atop his wish list.
āIām probably going to train in Russia [for the Grand Prix]. Iām more comfortable there and I like to be close to my family. Itās likely Iāll probably stay in Russia,ā Emelianenko said. āBut I wouldnāt mind training somewhere else and with someone like Shane Carwin, who is a good fighter.ā
Antonio Silva welcomes Fedor back to the cage in the opening round of Strikeforceās tournament. If āThe Last Emperorā is able to advance past āBigfootā in February, that might be the perfect time to recruit Carwinās services.
If champion Alistair Overeem can survive his quarterfinals matchup against upset specialist Fabricio Werdum, the showdown to end all showdowns will finally be arranged. What better way to prepare for a massive slugger than by training with ā¦ a massive slugger?
Although Carwin has plenty of horses to practice with, itās likely heād welcome Emelianeko in with open arms as heās preparing for his comeback fight at UFC 131 in June. The timing would work out perfectly for both studs should Fedor advance to the semifinals of the Grand Prix.
Written by Tom Ngo
