You mentioned that Aleksander Emelianenko, is the world Sambo champion, and that he is far more talented than you are. Do you exaggerate?
Fedor: Not at all. I'm not a genius athlete, like many people think. My brother has a phenomenal talent. But he lacks in work ethic. That's why I'm higher in the ratings. My brother keeps going in and out of the top 10.
Do you two spar?
Fedor: No. We live in different cities. I live in Stary Oskol, and travel all over the world. Brother settled down in Petersburg. We rarely see each other.
They say Aleksander was even in prison?
Fedor: It's true. They gave him five years, but released him before that. Three and a half years.
He was charged with a robbery?
Fedor: There were many episodes. Don't want to bring up the past.
Is it an accomplishment to lose 3 years and be able to return to the ring?
Fedor: No. In his case it's far from an accomplishment. Even though 3 and a half years really held back his growth as an athlete. And in the social life Aleksander became different. Prison really made its imprint. His outlook on life has changed, and it seems, not in a good way.
You and him are totally different?
Fedor: Yes. I'm sure those things could not have happened to me. During the time when Aleksander was looking for adventures on his rear end, I killed myself training. I had a goal - to reach something in sport.
Nice.
