Andrei Arlovski
Photography by Helen Berkun
Andrei “the Pitbull” Arlovski is one of the toughest men in the world, competing with the elite mixed martial artists in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s heavyweight division. Andrei has knocked out some of the best 200+ lb fighters in the world, including, Vladimir Matyushenko, Wesley “Cabbage” Correira, and Justin Eilers, and a submission victory (by ankle lock) over the 6’8" Tim Sylvia, which won him the Heavyweight Championship belt at UFC 51. Equally adept at boxing and grappling, Andrei is considered one of the top mixed martial artists in the world.
SOAK: When you are competing, which do you prefer, winning by submission or knockout?
Andrei Arlovski: I expect to win, that is the most important thing to me. It doesn’t matter how I reach my victory…just as long as it’s achieved. However the fans always enjoy a good knockout!
SOAK: Because of all your knockouts, you’re known for your excellent boxing skills. Are you more comfortable striking or grappling on the ground?
Andrei: I feel just as comfortable striking as I do grappling. I love a good, technical fight. That’s what I do best.
SOAK: Can you give us an example of your training week schedule?
Andrei: Well, let’s see…I wake up at around 8:00 AM; at 10:00 AM, I have boxing for two and a half hours, then I have a break for about two hours. By 3:00 PM, I’m back at the gym running and lifting till 6:00 PM. I then break for an hour and a half, and at 7:45 PM, I’m back at the gym practicing Jujitsu until about 10:00 PM. That’s my routine, six days a week.
SOAK: Can you give our readers some tips on how to throw a good punch and increase punching power?
Andrei: First and foremost, the power of a good punch comes from the mind.
SOAK: What do you think about every time you throw a punch?
Andrei: It’s hard to say, for me, it’s all in the moment. Fighting is second nature to me, so it is difficult to say what I think about. I prepare myself mentally before the fight and once I’m in the Octagon, I just fight as hard as I can.
SOAK: Who are you currently training with?
Andrei: My Jujitsu trainer is Dino Costeas at POW Gym. I believe that he is one of the best Jujitsu fighters in the world! Dino has been training me for five years. He has been with me through all my victories and losses. My boxing trainer is Michael Garcia; he has trained me for my last two fights. He is also a very talented and skillful teacher. I also have two strength trainers, Oleg Danilov and Val Palianichka.
SOAK: Do you have any special diet requirements?
Andrei: Yes, my diet consists of fish, meat, poultry, vegetables and fruits.
SOAK: How did you get started in mixed martial arts?
Andrei: At 16, I started training at the Police Academy in Sambo and Judo. Within a year, I earned third place in Sambo. After two years, I became the World Champion in Sambo. Then three years after that, I became the European Champion of Ultimate Fighting.
SOAK: So far, what different martial arts have you trained in?
Andrei: In Belorussia, I was trained in Sambo and Kickboxing. Now in the US, I am training in Jujitsu and Boxing.
SOAK: Do you get nervous before a fight?
Andrei: Of course, I get nervous before my fights. Only foolish fighters don’t get nervous.
SOAK: Is there anything special you do to prepare yourself mentally for a fight?
Andrei: Yes, I take every thought I have and directly focus that thought towards my fight. I prepare myself for the kill and I think of nothing else.
SOAK: Who are you interested in fighting next?
Andrei: I would love to fight Frank Mir!
SOAK: Are you interested in fighting some of the Pride heavyweights, like Fedor Emelianenko or Mirko “Crocop” Filipovic?
Andrei: Right now I’m only focused on UFC fights, but I certainly keep my eyes on the fighters of PRIDE. Fedor, I know personally.
SOAK: What do you like to do for fun, outside of training?
Andrei: I like to go out to clubs and lounges, see good movies and of course, beautiful girls.
SOAK: What’s one final thing that you want to share with all of your fans in the US?
Andrei: I’d like to thank all of my US fans for their support and attention. I promise to train very hard and continue to make my fans happy!
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