© Marc Wickert
www.knucklepit.com

Special thanks to Leo Khorolinsky

At the time of this interview, UFC World Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski is relaxing in Chicago, sitting back in his manager's office, after a gruelling spar with his boxing partner.

There's a fortnight remaining before Andrei takes on Paul Buentello at UFC 55: Fury. Although Arlovski tends to cease lifting weights one month prior to a fight, he is still in top gear with his sparring and cardio work – training twice a day to defend his world title on October 7. And he doesn't intend easing the intensity until some time next week.

The native of Minsk, Belarus, who is now living and fighting out of Chicago, never underestimates an opponent and is preparing for anything Buentello may bring to the battlefield. "The main thing for me is to win the fight – whether it's standing up or on the ground. And I'm going to try to dictate the way the bout is fought, but again, my aim is to win the fight rather than focusing on how I accomplish the victory," says Arlovski.

"Obviously I don't reveal how I plan to win, prior to any fight, but I usually don't change my style of fighting, and I'm always prepared to meet my opponent both on the ground and standing. Basically, I've worked very hard at boxing and jiu jitsu, so my goal is to be ready for any scenario."

Although Buentello knocked out Justin Eilers in the first round at UFC 51: Super Saturday, Andrei is taking nothing away from Eilers: "Every heavyweight in the UFC is a tough opponent. Justin has shown tremendous courage. He can absorb a lot of punishment and he has very heavy hands. His punches can be devastating. 

"At the same time, Paul is a tough adversary and he has knocked out a lot of his opponents. The difference between Eilers and Buentello is that instead of Paul throwing heavy punches, he throws a series of punches and he's very good with combinations. Although Paul defeated Justin, to say which fighter is tougher or which one is a better-class opponent would be difficult, because anybody's punch could knock another fighter out in the UFC.

"The next match between Justin and Paul could be completely different. That's why this sport is so unique – unlike boxing, it's so unpredictable. But again, I'm aware of the strengths of both men and I'm working hard in order to beat Paul Buentello."

On the same card as the Buentello vs Eilers bout, Andrei and Tim Sylvia were scheduled for their showdown, and Arlovski went on to submit Sylvia with a foot lock at 0.47 into round one. Tim then bounced back at UFC 54, defeating Tra Telligman and showing he had greatly worked on his skills since his loss to Arlovski at UFC 51. Should UFC pit Tim against Andrei again, Arlovski says he would gladly accept the challenge.

"After our first fight, Tim basically said he took me lightly and that he did not prepare for the fight. And that's why he said he lost the fight: because he wasn't well conditioned. Tim is a great fighter and a tough adversary, but I'd gladly give him the opportunity to fight me again if that's what UFC decides.

"And I'd certainly welcome the opportunity to face Frank Mir. We're here to fight, to make money, and to put on a show for the fans because they are the ones who essentially must get the most out of this…But yes, I'd be very happy to fight Tim Sylvia again. Last time he made the remark that he wanted me to keep the belt shining, and I want to assure Tim that I am taking very good care of it."

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