"I have aspiration and desire": Emelianenko on the fight with Johnson, training with Nemkov and ending his career

- What is your attitude towards the fight with Timothy Johnson, considering that you have not entered the "cage" for almost two years - since December 2019?

- I feel great.

The preparation went well.

We worked together with Vadim Nemkov, as well as other guys who will perform at the Bellator 269 tournament in Moscow.

Therefore, I repeat, the state of health is wonderful.

- Why did you decide to choose Johnson as your opponent?

- The thing is that before the defeat against Valentin Moldavsky, he had an impressively successful streak.

Timothy beat a lot of good opponents.

Yes, and in the title fight, he lost only to Moldavsky only on points.

I want to fight opponents who win.

- You chose Johnson, but there was also talk about Alistair Overeem and Junior Dos Santos.

Why didn't you manage to come to an agreement with them?

- The same Dos Santos suffered a series of defeats and was kicked out of the UFC.

Fabricio Werdum and other fighters also had a desire to meet with me.

But I watched and saw that people have not performed very well lately.

Bellator suggested: "There is such, and there is such."

Then it was too early to make the final choice.

It was only after Johnson fought Moldavian that Bellator offered to fight him.

- Did the Moldavian give you any advice before meeting with the American?

- Valentine talked about his feelings.

We worked together, and to some extent he tried to copy the American.

He said, "In this position, Timothy behaves like this, and in this position he acts like this."

In general, he tried to imitate Johnson in order to demonstrate to me the peculiarities of his technique.

- Nemkov said that when Moldavsky was modeling Johnson, you even managed to shake him.

Did your sparring sessions get so tough?

- In fact, I just made a throw, and Valya fell and felt some discomfort.

I won't even call this throw strong, but Moldavsky landed badly.

Vadim then worked alongside, and, perhaps, it made an impression on him.

- Earlier, you said that after a confrontation with an American, you can once again enter the octagon.

Who do you want to meet and where will this fight take place?

- We will start from Bellator's plans.

As far as I know, the promotion wants to hold another major event in Russia.

If I have to go to the USA, then I would fight in Chicago.

I like Chicago more than New York.

- It is clear that the whole country is waiting for your fight with Johnson.

But aren't you tired of the hard work yourself?

- Let's just say, we are talking primarily about your favorite work.

I understand that I have to go through something like that.

It's just a necessity.

But now it’s not so difficult as during the preparation.

And most importantly, I have aspiration and desire.

Moreover, Nemkov made me happy the other day.

Reached the Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Finals.

- How does it feel to go out into the "cage" on the same evening with your teammates?

- To a certain extent, it is more difficult psychologically.

After all, you worry about everyone and want everyone to win victories.

Therefore, you will have to distance yourself, abstract yourself and prepare for your own fight.

- Does the fight in Moscow in front of your fans rather impose a certain responsibility or, on the contrary, gives confidence and calmness?

- You know, I have been fighting as professionals for a long time and have learned to remain as calm as possible in any situation.

- President Vladimir Putin has previously attended your fights.

Does he plan to be a guest of the tournament this time?

- As far as I know, no.

As for future events, I cannot say anything.

This is a question for the president.

In addition, it must be remembered that the world is now a difficult situation, including in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.

- How much will the result of the confrontation with Johnson affect your decision to continue your career?

- Will not affect at all.

A fighting career is one thing.

And life goes on.

I have certain plans, and they will not change.

- What does it mean for you to leave the sport, knowing that Nemkov and Moldavsky will continue their careers?

- I think we have brought up worthy athletes, fighters, people.

I am honored to work with them.

But I hope we will have another champion before my final departure.

- Your signature shot in standing is a right cross.

How did he appear in the arsenal?

- Honestly, I don't even know.

I just felt something in training.

I had good mentors.

Probably, they focused their attention on this blow.

Well, I myself saw and noticed everything.

I always try to follow the example of the best boxers in the world, to see how they work.