“Coronavirus is transmitted through television”: Krylov on a pandemic, performance without spectators and Nurmagomedov’s fight with Ferguson

- At the UFC tournament in Brazil, you got the better of Johnny Walker. During the battle, the impression was that you were significantly stronger than the Brazilian. Did you feel something similar?

- Hard to tell. More likely felt tension. Johnny is very physically strong, so he had to make serious efforts. At the same time, even before the fight, he realized that in terms of skills I surpass Walker. And already along the way I was only convinced of this.

“Did you expect to be so much stronger than Walker in the fight?”

- Yes, this was the basis of our plan.

“Did Walker manage to surprise you with anything?”

- He noted that he has very hard blows. And this is independent of amplitude - it beats very hard, even while on the ground.

- Walker became famous precisely as a bright puncher, but in the rack you actually did not yield to him. In your opinion, is Johnny tired or because your standing skills are seriously underestimated?

- We practically did not manage to work on our feet. Managed to spend just a couple of exchanges. But Johnny slowed down very much after the first round. For five minutes he tried to get to his feet, because of which he lost strength. Subsequently, he was no longer so explosive, but still remained dangerous. As for my stand, it is not clear to me how I can be underestimated in this aspect. I had enough fights in which I demonstrated my arsenal both in shock technique and in wrestling.

- In your opinion, who is stronger in the stance - you or Walker?

- I do not really like to compare myself with someone. I understand how I was some time ago and what I am becoming now. I see my growth and development, this is the main thing.

- What exactly have you made progress in?

- At least in the ability to bring yourself to fights in perfect condition. In this case, it was influenced by the fact that the training camp was held in Miami. In terms of climate, this place and Brazil are quite similar, so when I arrived at the tournament I felt comfortable. I am sure that if I went to South America directly from Russia, it would be much more difficult.

- In which room did you prepare?

- American Top Team.

- Who managed to work with?

- For the most part, communication took place with ATT head coach Conan Silveira. One of the main sparring partners was ex-Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho, who is now light heavyweight. A good drummer, he feels his distance, he has long arms (198 cm. - RT ). It was very comfortable to prepare with him. At the same time, there were no extra nicks and traumatic movements. There was also another guy named Vitor, superior to Walker in height by ten centimeters. But they worked with him in a lighter mode.

- After joining the UFC, Walker won several victories at once, after which he began to be considered the future contender for the title. Did you share this opinion or were you already sure that he had too many weaknesses?

- Probably, I saw gaps from the very beginning, but I focused on them already in the process of preparation. By and large, any athlete from the top 10 can be safely recorded as one of the potential applicants for the belt. Almost every one of them will be able to give battle in the battle for the title. As for Walker, I immediately wanted to fight with him.

- So, negotiations on organizing a duel with Walker were easy?

- When the proposal came from the UFC, it took my team not time to think it over myself. The coaches weighed the pros and cons, but even then I was sure that we would meet in the octagon.

- You approached the battle with Walker, having a passive defeat from Glover Teixeira. Do you think the result was fair?

- It’s enough for me that the verdict turned out to be just that. I do not want to talk about the actions of other people, I need to do my job. If I didn’t look convincing enough, then this is my problem.

- Have you been reconsidering the duel with Teixeira?

- I did it several times. Personally, I saw a draw there. I can’t say that it was a victory. But at the same time I understand why the judges could take the side of Glover. The fight was really very close.

- It seemed that in the battle with Teixeira you often acted too carefully, but this time, on the contrary, tried to work exclusively in the first number. Was that advice from trainers?

- In the battle with Teixeira, certain circumstances related to health took place. Sometimes I had to retreat, back away, and I could not attack because of well-being. In addition, then there was no task to crush Glover.

“Why did you decide that it would be appropriate in the battle with Walker?”

“Johnny feels comfortable when you give him space or stand right in front of him.” But he is less confident acting under pressure. Therefore, it was decided to crush it, if possible transfer it to the ground and hold it there.

- At the end of the battle with Teixeira, one of your mentors shouted: "Fool you." What did it mean?

- It was my physical training coach. One of the appeals that we use within the team. Thus, the mentor motivates the athlete to perform a heavy exercise, at the last repetition. "Fool" - throw out all the remaining forces. About the same thing he demanded of me then.

- Surely, the coaches note flaws after each fight. What did they say after defeating Walker?

“We haven't held meetings yet.” Something inexplicable is happening in the world, so I was in a hurry to leave for my homeland. Failed to contact the Russian coaching staff.

“What did the ATT say ?”

- Everyone is happy. Understood that Walker is a contented tough fighter. You need to adhere very clearly to the plan in order to get the better of it. Experts noted that the whole duel went according to plan.

- After defeating Walker, you rose to tenth place in the UFC ranking . How did you react?

- At the moment, I take my place. And then we'll see if I can rise higher.

- You recently posted a message on Instagram, in which you called for the battle of Corey Anderson. Why exactly him?

- I believe that you can challenge the athlete in relation to whom you experience certain emotions. I can’t say that this is hostility. But in general, I don’t really sympathize with Anderson. Especially considering his behavior and words addressed to me at the end of the battle with Walker. Therefore, I do not see anything wrong with the response.

- Did the conflict between you begin after the show in Brazil or earlier?

- Even before that, he spoke about me, said that I was fighting with not well-known athletes. As a result, he offered to fight him, so that a worthy opponent would appear opposite me.

“Did he answer you?”

- Not yet.

- You did not contact the UFC with a request to organize this match?

“I thought I would say it after the battle, but they did not give me a word.” I understand that now the promotion has a lot of worries, it makes no sense to hammer in his mail with his wishes. Because of the coronavirus, many fighters lost the opportunity to speak, which means there will be lines for the next show. I believe that these athletes should be given the opportunity to be the first to enter the octagon.

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Posted by Nikita Krylov (@nikitakrylovufc) Mar 23, 2020 at 11:12 PDT

- After the show in Brazil, the UFC held a photo shoot in which you were captured with two flags - Russia and Ukraine. How are you getting your Russian passport?

- No way. Last year we launched this process, I was allocated a quota for a Russian passport. But due to employment and a large number of trips, I could not get this thing off the ground. After all, I needed to be in Russia for a long time, to collect a package of documents. But 2019 was more intense than ever.

- What exactly?

- Held several training camps in foreign teams, visited the Institute for the Training of Athletes of the Absolute Fighting Championship (UFC PI. - RT ). So by the end of the year, the quota has flown, and to get it again, you need to start all over again.

- There are no other options?

- In view of my belonging to the Lugansk and Donetsk regions, there is the possibility of accelerated citizenship. They can give me a local passport here, and within three months - a Russian one. But this also needs to be addressed.

- Consequently, at the moment you only have a Ukrainian passport?

- Yes. But, despite everything that happens, for me Russia and Ukraine are inseparable. People who allow themselves to marinate their brains and convince that Russian and Ukrainian are different nations are very mistaken. If one day we believe in this, it will be a big disaster.

- How did Ukraine accept your desire to get a Russian passport?

- It depends on who. My friends, comrades and acquaintances did not react in any way, because the person himself does not change along with citizenship. They hardly thought that I changed my shoes. Perhaps others have spoken about this, for sure - not very flattering.

- Now the whole world is discussing the threat of coronavirus. You are in Lugansk. How are things there?

- It seems that they even close the border between the DNI and the LC. I want to believe that all this is temporary. But we can say that this trend is coming here. Quarantine is heard more and more, public places are closed on Monday - halls, cafes, restaurants and the like.

- Is there a feeling that people are starting to give in to a panic?

- In general, yes. The people are worried.

- How do you feel about this?

“I try not to think about it.” I think the most coronavirus is transmitted through TV. Those who constantly think about it have a greater risk of getting infected.

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Posted by Nikita Krylov (@nikitakrylovufc) Mar 15, 2020 at 5:22 am PDT

- At the moment, the tournament in Brazil was the last that the UFC held after the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic. How were things in the country at that moment?

- Fine, everything was quiet. Closer to the tournament, news began to appear on this topic. A day before the start, information slipped several times that the show could be canceled.

- What was it like to speak in the empty stands?

- Not bad. I can’t say that it’s more difficult than with the audience.

- Some athletes say that it is easier for them to perform in an empty hall. And what is more convenient for you?

“I don't know if that matters.” Probably without fans a little easier. No noise, you hear good corners, nothing distracts you. Nevertheless, fans give a special energy. You can fight this way and that, but I liked how the tournament went in Brazil. If we discard the fact that the cause was an epidemic, everything was very organized.

- What exactly?

- Tape athletes in the hotel. Two battles before the fight, we went to the stadium. It was only five minutes to go. Came to the arena - empty locker rooms, almost no people. Quickly warmed up. Everything happened quite collected, there was no time for unnecessary thoughts.

- On that show, the first nine battles ended with a referee's decision, and the fighters acted extremely carefully and methodically. Don't you think that the reason for this was the lack of spectators?

- Hard to tell. Perhaps this happened also because the stands did not drive forward. But perhaps the reason was the dominance of Brazilian athletes, most of whom prefer wrestling. But I can’t say for sure. After all, before there were shows where only one or two early victories took place.

- Did you discuss holding a tournament without fans with any of the other participants in the tournament?

- Catch a glimpse of Marina Moroz, Alexei Kunchenko. In my opinion, they liked everything. Of course, in addition to the judicial decision in the fight between Alexei and Eliseu Dos Santos.

- Then you yourself were not worried about your health?

- What for? The risk zone is elderly people and those with weak immunity. This is just an incentive to keep yourself in good shape, eat the right food, and stay physically active. In addition, a huge number of people die every day. A brick can fall on everyone’s head. Therefore, I see no reason to wrap myself with tape and try not to touch other people. I do not do it.

- The other day it became known about the cancellation of the match between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson. In this regard, they start jokingly suggesting that the gods themselves do not want a battle between Habib and Tony. Don't you think that they are not destined to fight?

- I also have such thoughts slip. But it remains only to monitor the development of the situation. Let's see how everything goes in the future.

- It is believed that Ferguson is the only fighter in the category of up to 70 kilograms who can defeat Nurmagomedov. Do you agree?

“Like Habib, Tony is one of the strongest lightweights.” We can say that in this fight the name of the best representative of the division at the moment will be determined. Ferguson’s winning streak, Nurmagomedov’s perfect record - everything speaks about this.

“Conor McGregor and Justin Gatge are weaker than Ferguson?”

- American is a relatively new name in this category. Yes, he has enough fights, but he is still inferior to Ferguson and Nurmagomedov. And Conor was already fighting Habib. If he can achieve revenge, then let's see how strong his fighting intelligence is.

- To ensure a duel with the champion, will McGregor just defeat Gathey?

- I think yes. I think that at the moment Justin is the next contender. If Conor takes over him, then he will take this title.

- Last week it became known that John Jones was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and possession of weapons. Did it surprise you?

- I try not to rummage in someone else's dirty linen, therefore I do not condemn his behavior. He has his own life.

- Earlier you said that Jones has changed and is not as scary as before. After the fight with Dominic Reyes, did your opinion on this matter strengthen?

- Yes, but the matter can be not only in it, but also in the level of rivals. After all, Jones still wins, shows vivid fights, keeps the champion belt with him. Perhaps he is less hungry. But the battles with Reyes and Thiago Santos showed that in the battle with Jones you need to go forward and make him work at his own pace. If you let him act from a position of strength, nothing will come of it.

- In your opinion, did the judges correctly give Jones victory?

- To a greater extent. Reyes had a great fight, but there was a feeling that they would raise Jones's hand. I think that everything was fair.

- It seemed that after such a fight, the UFC would give revenge to Reyes, but then Jan Blakhovich won a bright victory over Anderson. In your opinion, who should get the right to fight for the belt?

- I think now Blakhovich can get the right to compete for the title, and Reyes can face off against Santos. It is more interesting for the promotion every time to put new opponents against the champion.

- At the moment, Jones is in first place in the pound for pound rating (regardless of weight categories), and Nurmagomedov is in second place. Right?

- Yes. Nevertheless, John performs in the light heavyweight, and Habib - in the lightweight. If we talk about the danger of a fighter outside the weight category, it would be extremely difficult for Nurmagomedov in the battle with Jones. Even despite the fact that in between battles, their weight difference is less than the declared 22 kilograms.