Andrei Arlovski has shown the fight of the “Pit Bull” isn’t quite finished yet.
With the former UFC heavyweight titleholder gearing up for his bout against Frank Mir on Saturday in Las Vegas, the 36-year-old former Chicago resident spoke with RedEye about returning to the UFC and his Blackhawks.
After leaving the UFC, you fought in different organizations trying to get back into the company. Fast-forward to 2014 and you are now fighting for a possible championship bout. What has it been like for you to return to the company that was your home for many years?
When I left in 2007, it was the same thing for me when I fought in different organizations. I left the UFC on good terms and I had nothing bad to say about Dana White or anyone else. It was a business decision at the time and I’m glad they brought me back.
When I returned, a lot of people were against the idea and thought my career was over. Dana White gave me a chance and I am very appreciative of that.
Looking back at when I started in the UFC and what it is now, it has only gotten bigger and better. The organization is the best in the world. Personally, I have grown older, wiser and smarter and have the right coaches in place and the right area for fight camps. I still have that fire in my eyes and I’m ready to go.
Frank Mir has said he doesn’t want to fight because he doesn’t want either of you to get derailed from this championship journey. What are you feelings on why Mir has said this bout isn’t the best path for either of your careers?
I heard that interview and he is a smart businessman. I have nothing but respect for him and he still has what it takes to get that title shot as well. He has shown he has a great ground and pound that was evident against [Antonio] “Bigfoot” Silva. He is very dangerous on his feet and has very heavy hands. Like I said this fight is just business and will still respect Frank after this is over.
There have been many who have said this is your last career run in the UFC and possibly MMA. How does that weigh on your mind while preparing for a fight?
I never put that as the primary focus because that’s not the time and place. After each fight I go home to my wife and son and I talk to them about what our family should do. My wife understands it’s a business and I’m working for her and our son. But I never worry about it during a training camp because the focus is my opponent and only him.
When you first started your career, you had your fight camps here in Chicago. Recently, you moved everything to Albuquerque. How has the transition been for you moving from your hometown to New Mexico?
Like I said it’s a great training area but I can never forget my hometown. Chicago is a great area but being under the tutelage of coach [Greg] Jackson has been great for my career.
However, Chicago is always my home and I still have plenty of friends of family in that area. I have a lot of good memories from there. Many of my friends are part of the Chicago Police Department and some of them are coming out to support me. I am very excited for them to be in my corner on Saturday.
I am also very excited for the Chicago Blackhawks, who won the Stanley Cup. They are a great team and organization and I hope they continue to bring more championships to the city.
Chicago is a great city and I love coming back each and every time and thinking about all the great memories I have made here.
Ted Gruber is a RedEye contributor. @tedgruber
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