Exclusive Andrei Arlovski Interview: Stronger than Before

Derek Bolender (BleacherReport.com): If you had to make a choice, would you rather be an MMA world champion again or a boxing world champion?

Andrei Arlovski: Both. That is one reason why I started to throw myself into boxing. You never know if you are going to sit on the couch what you can be. If I can be heavyweight champion of boxing, I have to try. That is why I want to train myself in professional boxing.

Derek Bolender (BleacherReport.com): Going back to Brett Rogers. He has never faced a fighter of your caliber. Do you feel like he is ready to take that leap up in competition, and what have you learned about him in your preparations?

Andrei Arlovski: I know he’s a tough fighter. He’s 9-0. He’s dangerous. He’s bigger and heavier than me. We got a game plan with all my trainers. It’s actually a great fight for me. I wanted a big fight, and Strikeforce gave me a great opportunity for me to fight and fight a tough fighter like Rogers. I am really excited to fight him on June 6.

Derek Bolender (BleacherReport.com): You mentioned the weight difference, which is roughly 25 pounds. Do you anticipate that being a factor in the fight?

Andrei Arlovski: You know I am not going to be 237 like I was in January. I put on some weight, and I am a little stronger than I was before. I don’t know; we’ll see. He’s a good striker and likes to box, and we’ll see what happens.

Also, I train a lot in wrestling and jiu-jitsu. If he wants to stand up, we’ll stand up. If I think I can take him down, I’ll take him down. If I have to do a leg lock or choke him, of course that’s something I’ll do. If I feel like the opportunity for my hands, then I’ll take him out. It just depends on what kind of fight it will be.

Derek Bolender (BleacherReport.com): What do you expect to weigh in at on Friday?

Andrei Arlovski: I expect it will be about 245.

Derek Bolender (BleacherReport.com): What is your official prediction for the fight?

Andrei Arlovski: I don’t want to be in this position. I just train hard and I’m ready to go. I know Rogers said he was going to knock me out, but I don’t want to joke with him. I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to step in the cage and do my job. I want to do all my talking in the cage.

Derek Bolender (BleacherReport.com): That’s all I had for you Andrei. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans out there or any sponsors you would like to thank before we go?

Andrei Arlovski: Yes, thank you so much to all my fans for the support. Of course thank you to my sponsors. Thank you Affliction and Strikeforce. My dentist who makes a great mouthpiece for me. Looking forward. Thank you. Thank you for having me.

Derek Bolender (BleacherReport.com):  All right, thanks for the time. Best of luck on Saturday.

Andrei Arlovski: Thanks. Also, you can check out more information at AndreiArlovski.com. Okay, thank you.

Derek Bolender is staff writer for InsideFights.com. He has also been feature on CBSSports.com, FoxSports.com, MMAmania.com, etc.... You can also follow him at Twitter.com/DerekMMAWriter and on Facebook. Look for future articles from him on BleacherReport.com.

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