"Jumped over his head": Yatsenko about Ismailov's victory over Emelianenko, Kharitonov's "appetites" and difficulties with organizing the show

- In July, the ACA held two tournaments, which became the first in Russia after the restrictions were lifted . Are there any problems with the organization?

- Of course, there were certain difficulties due to the current situation in the world due to the coronavirus. For example, in the matter of coordinating the format of events, with or without spectators. But now everyone is reinsuring, so we treat this with understanding. It's good that everything worked out.

- What exactly were the difficulties?

- In fact, sometimes we created difficulties for ourselves. The safety protocol for the competition was approved. The requirements in it were in many ways stricter than those applied locally. But we decided to strictly follow it at all costs.

- How was the testing procedure for COVID-19?

- According to ACA protocol, fighters, seconds and all personnel were tested upon arrival at the hotel and before leaving for the event. In addition, they were screened daily.

- What are the instructions of Rospotrebnadzor in case one of the fighters becomes infected?

- Until the moment when all participants are tested, check-in at the hotel does not take place. In the event that someone is diagnosed with a coronavirus, we put him in quarantine in a separate apartment. He will remain there pending more in-depth research and will be supervised.

- How does the ACA proceed if the diagnosis is confirmed?

- Depends on the state. If it is satisfactory, then the person will remain in quarantine in this apartment and will receive the necessary medical care. In case of deterioration, he will be transferred to a hospital.

- What happens to a fighter's fee if he is infected with the coronavirus and is forced to withdraw from the competition?

- If an athlete cannot perform at the show, then the fight will not take place, and money will not be paid to him. Nevertheless, he is provided with all the necessary medical assistance.

- In June you reported that the ACA 106 tournament  was to be held in Krasnodar. What was the reason for the transfer to Sochi?

- We thought it would be less expensive to hold several shows in the same city. By this time, it had already been decided to move ACA 107 from Moscow to Sochi, so the 106th tournament subsequently moved there. This allowed us to save some money.

- As far as we know, with the organization ACA 107 it was also not easy ...

- I would not say that there were difficulties. We wanted to arrange a tournament with spectators and defended this idea to the end. Ultimately, however, it was decided to host the event as a television show. The epidemiological situation did not allow to achieve the desired.

- Initially, ACA and the Krasnodar Territory administration had any agreements regarding the event?

- There was an understanding that we could put on a show with the fans. On hand was a letter from Rospotrebnadzor, which contained certain recommendations on the permissible number of people in the stands. But now this is not enough. The last word belongs to the administration of one or another constituent entity of the Russian Federation.

- Is ACA considering the possibility of holding tournaments in the Krasnodar Territory in 2020?

- We haven't thought about it yet. Whether we like it or not, but now everyone is forced to take into account the epidemiological situation that is developing in a particular region. We follow those of them in which we want to make a show in the future.

- Is there any hope that soon it will be possible to invite fans to the stands?

- Now, in almost every region of interest to us, they promise to weaken the restrictions, but the process is being delayed.

- Regarding ACA 107, did you think there would be a better chance of securing fan admission elsewhere?

- It couldn't be easier in any other region. We staked on Sochi, because the local Rospotrebnadzor gave us hope with their recommendations. During the negotiations, we came to an oral agreement with the Ministry of Sports of the Krasnodar Territory, which is in charge of the sports arenas of the city of Sochi.

- Something went wrong?

- When our representatives went to conclude an agreement, the management of the Bolshoi Sports Palace refused to sign it, referring to the Regional Ministry of Sports.

- In Moscow, football matches were held in the presence of spectators. Why not let people go to the mixed martial arts tournament?

- These are slightly different events. Football competitions are held outdoors and are supported at the state level. At the same time, the tournaments were not resumed in any other sport. As far as I know, there was talk about restarting the basketball championship, but it was decided to start a new season in September.

- Was there a risk of canceling ACA 107?

- Not.

- At a press conference in June, you announced that all upcoming ACA shows will be available for viewing exclusively on a pay-per-view basis ( PPV). Was this decision dictated by losses due to the pandemic?

- First of all, this is due to the strategic plans, according to which, by the end of 2020, ACA will show tournaments exclusively using the pay-per-view system. Thus, we want to increase not only the audience of fans, but also the number of people who are willing to pay per view. Of course, not broadcasting the show live on public television can be considered a risky move. But if you don't try, nothing will change. As for losses, this point is quite controversial.

- ACA has been criticized on social media for the high cost of streaming. Don't you think that 400 rubles for a tournament is too much for a Russian organization?

- When they calculate the price of any product, they look at the cost price, the costs invested in its creation. On the basis of this, conclusions are drawn at what indicators the release of this product will be justified. So it is with us. When we enter the market, we see that certain things are selling well and others are not. But the producer looks only at whether he gets the benefit or not. In the first case, it continues to move in the same direction, in the second, it makes certain changes.

- But shouldn't ACA take into account the requests of the fans? In social networks, many users said that in the current conditions it would be more correct to reduce the price to at least 200 rubles.

- In this matter, I'm used to relying on the opinion of experts. We have marketers who calculate the price of the product, but the opinion of the fans will also be taken into account. I understand that in Russia some organizations can sell their product for two rubles. Because in their market, in the USA, they sell it at a much higher price.

- So, in the conditional USA, you would also vary the price?

- Certainly. Having conquered our own market, we could enter foreign ones and act there in a similar manner. But returning to our realities, no one is surprised by the price of 400 rubles for a cinema ticket? Now many people are entering a paid model of consumption of entertainment content. Take online movie theaters, for example. Then why such emotions are caused by such a price for watching an ACA tournament?

- Perhaps for the reason that in Russia a monthly subscription to the UFC Fight Pass costs the same as one ACA show .

- So be it. Don't you think that in this situation it is worth supporting the domestic manufacturer, and not his American colleagues? I would like all fans dissatisfied with our prices to wish us success and development, so that in the future we can sell our shows cheaper.

- Speaking about the fight between Alexander Emelianenko and Magomed Ismailov, do not you think that the coronavirus pandemic has seriously hit the hype around him?

- I don’t think so. It's just that people have a lot of pressing problems. The pandemic made them think more about their own health and the well-being of their loved ones.

- On the eve of the battle, many had the impression that Emelianenko and Ismailov were on good terms. Didn't you think that the excitement would be higher if there was a feud between them?

- Maybe. But in this case, the confrontation would take place in a very tense atmosphere. Both guys have a very large audience, and it would be very difficult for them to convey to everyone that insults are just business. There would be hotheads who would conduct provocative actions on the Internet. In the end, everything would grow into something more. I am not a supporter of such dirt.

- You called Emelianenko the favorite of the duel. How would you rate its outcome?

- I understood that Ismailov was able to win by transferring Emelianenko to the ground. But he was surprised that he was able to compete on equal terms in the rack.

- Is Ismailov's advantage in boxing a consequence of his progress or Emelianenko's problems?

- Firstly, Alexander was very frivolous about Magomed. Secondly, Ismailov was preparing for this duel, as for the greatest confrontation in his life. Therefore, he jumped over his head, gave his all 100%.

- At the end of the battle, Emelianenko expressed the opinion that the judge should pay attention to the passive conduct of the battle on the part of Ismailov and raise the athletes to their feet. Do you agree?

- Not. Magomed constantly worked, dominated, did not “lay down” the opponent.

- Ismailov said that Emelianenko offered him a revenge. Is the ACA management considering this option?

- We haven't discussed it yet. We have drawn up a schedule according to which we will have an event every two weeks. Therefore, now all our thoughts are about the upcoming shows. Also, I don't think this fight will be appropriate until the spring of 2021. Each of the athletes must have one or two bouts with other opponents. In this case, there will be a reason for revenge.

- Ismailov's brother Ramazan suggested that Emelianenko was in a state of alcoholic intoxication when he said this. Given the footage from the airport, don't you think that's the case?

- To say such things, you need to be close to a person, at least look into his eyes. For me, a phone record is not a confirmation. Everyone knows that Alexander is a romantic. He himself said it: "I drank, got into a fight - in prison." Perhaps this was the case, but in the absence of facts, I cannot say anything.

- Don't you think that this defeat can provoke, if not the end of his career, then at least a long break in Emelianenko's career?

- Not. In an interview, Alexander said that nothing would ever hit his reputation. I agree with him. It is unlikely that failure in the battle with Magomed will harm him. I think it will not even affect his future fees. Emelianenko should be assessed not as a great fighter, but as a significant, interesting and relevant figure. In my opinion, even three or four fiascoes in a row will not affect his status.

- Why?

- He is of interest to the public not only as a fighter, but as a person who is interesting to watch. On the one hand, his behavior is largely traditional for our country. But if you take into account his last name, he behaves outside the box.

- What is the situation with the contracts of Emelianenko and Ismailov now?

- Magomed has one more fight under the contract with ACA. We haven't talked about the future with Alexander yet.

- Recently, Emelianenko again arranged an absentee skirmish with Sergei Kharitonov and even challenged him. How did you react to this?

- Their conflict has been going on for a very long time - from the moment they fought each other in PRIDE. From time to time it flares up, then fades away. Personally, I take this absolutely calmly. In my opinion, they have already said everything they could to each other. Now the only question is when will they fight. I think this battle would be a good event for Russian MMA.

- How realistic is it to arrange a duel between Emelianenko and Kharitonov in the near future?

- I do not doubt Alexander's intentions to conduct this fight. We had preliminary negotiations with him personally and with representatives of the opposite camp. But I doubt Sergey is interested in this fight.

- Why?

- If Kharitonov wanted to fight, he would have done it already. His original fee requirements have grown fivefold. I think not a single Russian promotion will dare to organize this battle on Sergey's terms.

- What is Kharitonov hoping for by making such demands?

- Apparently, there is some super-rich MMA fan who will allocate enough money for this fight. But it is not advisable for a professional promotion to conduct a duel with such initial data.

- Emelianenko named the desired fee for the battle with Kharitonov?

- Not. Only Sergei spoke about money.

- Is it true that the last time Kharitonov demanded $ 1 million for a fight with Emelianenko?

- Personally, no one announced such a figure to me. But through third parties, I heard rumors that he wanted exactly this amount.

- ACA is not ready to pay that much to Kharitonov?

- We have a good service of matchmakers, specialists we trust. We are sure that we should not pay that kind of money, not just to one fighter, but for the entire fight as a whole.

- How much is ACA willing to pay to Kharitonov?

- Reasonable. Higher than Sergey's fee at Bellator.

- Is the ACA ready to consider the possibility of a duel between Emelianenko and Kharitonov in 2020?

- On the one hand, I think that it would be good for Alexander to win a couple of victories on the eve of this duel. On the other hand, there is a long-standing enmity between them, so the battle would be interesting to viewers already at the end of 2020. And the fact that Emelianenko lost to Ismailov does not mean that he would have lost to Kharitonov.

- At the moment, what is more priority for the ACA - Ismailov's revenge with Emelianenko or Emelianenko's battle with Kharitonov?

- In my opinion, the fight between Emelianenko and Kharitonov will be more in demand by the fans.

- I can't help but ask about Petr Yan, who became the UFC bantamweight champion in July . How would you rate this success?

“Ian hadn't reached his peak yet, but I knew he would defeat Aldo. In a duel with Henry Sejudo, it would have been much more difficult for him. In this case, I would doubt the result.

- What awaits Jan in the future?

- I am sure that he will defend his title more than once. The main thing is to keep progressing in order to be ready to meet Sehudo. I think the American will still return. The only question is when it will take place. I believe that Peter is the successor of the traditions of Fedor Emelianenko and will be able to be at the top in the lightest weight for ten years. I would really like that.

- Ian became famous in the ACB - the organization from which the ACA was later formed . How important is it to you that a former promoter fighter is so successful?

- Ian is not just a former promotion fighter, but his ex-champion. He became famous here, made a name for himself and left undefeated.

- But what about the defeat by Magomed Magomedov?

- I don’t dispute the decision of the judges, but I think that then Yan did not lose. At that moment I was not an ACA employee - I had my own promotion, and I watched this tournament as a spectator. I think Peter was more worthy of victory. But the fight was very equal, and the judges made that decision.

- Already now Yana is beginning to be compared with Nurmagomedov ...

- A little premature.

- Certainly. But if you remember, Nurmagomedov owes much of his popularity to the victory over McGregor. Will the triumph against Sehudo mean the same to Ian?

- Not. Sehudo himself is not a figure like McGregor. This applies to both the impact on the industry and popularity. Conor was promoted in such a way that in various countries of the world he is the personification of male MMA. Henry is just a champion. Yes, a serious guy, defeated Mouse (Demetrius Johnson - RT ), left on a high note. But I think that Peter himself attracts enough attention. There is something special about him, he will have a large audience of fans.