“I will knock out Aldo, and then shake his hand”: Jan about the title fight at UFC 251, the end of Sehudo’s career and his departure from boxing

- In the UFC 251 tournament , you will fight with Jose Aldo for the bantamweight title. What led to the organization of this battle?

- Henry Sehudo ended his career, as a result of which the belt remained vacant. I was the first one Dana White announced as an applicant.

- Aldo did not win a single victory in this category. In your opinion, is he worthy of fighting for the title of champion?

- To be honest, I did not think that Jose would be my next opponent. After all, initially I had a fight with Marlon Moraes at a tournament in Kazakhstan. However, the UFC promised Aldo the right to compete for the belt. Perhaps this is the case.

- In December, Moraes defeated Aldo, but the decision of the judges was mixed. In your opinion, how was that fight?

- I think that Jose won.

- Is it true that in preparation for one of the battles you practiced in the same camp with Aldo?

- Yes it is. I really was at the training camp in his room. For 40 days we trained together - stood in pairs, fought. 

- Since the moment you met, you have changed as a fighter?

- Of course. I became more experienced, I got more skills.

- And Jose?

“I don't think Aldo got any better.” In my opinion, he remained the same as he was then.

- After joining the UFCAldo performed mainly in lightweight, while there were rumors about his transition to a heavier category. Did you expect one day you could meet him in the octagon?

- No. But since he went down to my weight and claims to be mine, we will fight.

- For you, the current battle will be the first five-round under the auspices of the UFC . At the same time, previously you had to spend in the cage all 25 minutes when you fought for the ACB title with Magomed Magomedov. How will this experience help you in the upcoming duel?

- I think that it won’t reach the fifth round, but I’m ready to go the whole distance. In such conditions I feel normal.

- What is your forecast for the fight?

- It will be very interesting and uncompromising, because the championship belt is at stake. I think I will win an early victory. I will knock out Aldo, and then shake his hand.

- When you first heard about the “Fight Island”, you assumed that we are talking about Abu Dhabi?

- No. Indeed, there was talk that the cell would stand right on the beach. But I did not know exactly where it would be.

- When do you plan to go to the UAE?

- We are going to fly there ten days before the start of the tournament. Still, the time zone and climate are slightly different (Yang is training in the Tiger Muay Thai hall in Thailand.  - RT ). But this time should be enough for acclimatization.

- Returning to Sehudo, he knocked out Dominic Cruise at UFC 249, after which he immediately announced his retirement. What was the first thing you thought about when you heard about this?

- At first I decided that he was bluffing. He suggested that Henry did this in order to negotiate more favorable contract terms for the promotion.

- And when did you realize that this is in fact?

“By his decision, Sehudo showed that he understood that if he didn’t leave, he would be beaten.” Look at the lightest division - each of the five strongest is able to compete with him.

- Sehudo finally completed his career?

“I don't think so.” Perhaps he will still fight.

- Imagine that your fight with Sehudo still take place. Who will have the advantage?

- For him, my fighting style will be very uncomfortable. Sehudo is a morally stable, strong guy, owns certain skills. But I see a lot of gaps in his game.

- At UFC250 another victory was won by another representative of the lightest division Algemein Sterling, “strangled” Corey Sandhagen ...

- He took great opportunity. Everything was done in a timely manner - in the first round, until the soldiers sweated. Sterling caught him strangling him and did his job. If the fight dragged on, he could have lost.

- Will Sterling be the next contender for the bantamweight title?

- Yes, he was given a similar status. He deserves it. I will be glad to meet him.

- Another bright representative of the division is Sean O'Malley, who also won a bright victory at the UFC 250. At the same time, he recently allowed himself rather harsh statements about you ...

- After recent successes, many began to speak very harshly about me. Say who should fight for what. But now it all works for me.

- What is your opinion on the fighting qualities of O'Malley?

- Of course, each of the top athletes of the category is dangerous in its own way. O'Malley is a very interesting fighter.

- Immediately after signing the contract with the UFCmany predicted a bright future for you, saying that you can become a champion. How serious experience have you received in Russia?

- The ACB was a huge competition. I came across cool wrestlers, drummers, versatile guys. In particular, Matteus (Mattos, a former opponent of Jan) was Sehudo's main sparring partner in preparation for the last few battles. Apparently, Henry saw me send him to sleep, so he avoided our duel. Once we crossed paths at one of the tournaments. Mattos even turned away, pretending not to know me (laughs) .

- Is it true that your first fight in MMA was preceded by only three training sessions?

- I would not say that then I generally purposefully conducted classes in mixed martial arts. In grappling I had a maximum of 7 - 10 workouts.

- You got 20 thousand rubles for that fight?

- Beside that. But in fact, this is not so important. My rival was an experienced sambo fighter Murad Bakiev. According to the rules, in that battle you could beat your head and elbows.

- Which of the athletes inspired you to do mixed martial arts?

- Before, I didn’t really watch MMA, I was completely focused on boxing. He knew Fyodor Emelianenko from the Russians.

- Who was an example among professional boxers for you?

- I liked the style of Konstantin Tszyu. Very measured, nothing more. I was also impressed by Roy Jones Jr., Mike Tyson, Mohammed Ali. Each of them is a great boxer.   

- Why did you decide to leave boxing and turn your attention to MMA?

- Then I did not get into the national boxing team of Russia and was not considered a high-class athlete. A little tired of the monotony. At the same time, the popularity of MMA sharply increased in the country. And it dragged on.

- Why do you think there are so many high-class MMA fighters in Russia?

- The local athletes have extensive experience in amateur performances. They spend on 100 - 200 battles, gaining whists.

- In your opinion, is it better for young fighters to start a career in boxing or go straight to MMA?

- It all depends on age. No matter where to start. The main thing is to play sports. Any style will become the foundation, which will subsequently develop.

- Your next fight is scheduled for July 11th. Any plans to speak again in 2020?

- Of course. Now task number 1 is to get the better of Aldo. After that, we will think about future plans. If health does not fail, I will fight.