Andrei Arlovski opens camp, excited to return to Octagon

[Warchief]

Former UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski worked out at Jabb Gym on Thursday, officially opening his training camp for his next — and perhaps last — UFC fight.

Arlovski (12-5-0) will face former Purdue wrestler Jake O’Brien (10-0-0) on March 1 in Columbus, Ohio.

‘‘I’m excited,’’ Arlovski said. ‘‘I”m excited that my fans get to see me fight again.’’

Arlovski last fought on April 21, 2007, when he decisioned Jiu Jitsu expert Fabricio Werdum in a less-than-thrilling match-up between a wrestler and a striker.

The intensely popular Arlovski, whom Dana White once spoke about as one of the most feared fighters in the UFC, has had a couple of bouts that didn’t please White — or many fans. I assume that played a role in the stalled contract negotiations that resulted in Arlovski’s extended lay-off. The UFC wanted to sign Arlovski to an extension before scheduling his next bout, but Arlovski’s camp wanted to fight and then negotiate a new deal.

This will be Arlovski’s last fight on his current UFC contract, and it’s possible it won’t be much more entertaining than the Werdum bout. O’Brien’s a wrestler who essentially smothers his opponents. Some speculated that with negotiations for a new contract likely to start after this fight, it doesn’t hurt the UFC’s leverage to have Arlovski involved in another boring tactical standoff.

And Arlovski’s boxing trainer Mike Garcia said he’d prefer to have at least 6-7 weeks of training for a bout, instead of the three he has for O’Brien.

‘‘Hopefully we’ll have three weeks of good workouts,’’ Garcia said. ‘‘Andrei looks good and has been coming in periodically. He stays in pretty good shape year-round.’’

Arlovski should be motivated, not only because he’ll be fighting for a new contract, but because he hears rumblings from O’Brien’s camp.

‘‘From what I hear, he’s promised to beat me,’’ Arlovski said. ‘‘I guess he’s tough. He’s got a very good record, so we’ll see.’’

Garcia has heard predictions in the past.

‘‘[O’Brien’s] talking a little smack from what I understand,’’ Garcia said. ‘‘He can talk all he wants, but once you get in the Octagon, that’s a different story.’’

Arlovski doesn’t feel any pressure to score a thrilling knockout to re-establish his reputation as a fearsome striker. He said he’ll follow Garcia’s instructions, and Garcia said the gameplan is simple: win.

‘‘If the knockout is there — great, but I don’t like my fighters to go for knockouts, because they leave themselves open,’’ Garcia said. ‘‘I understand where Dana is coming from, because for fans it’s more entertaining to knock people out. But as a trainer, we want what’s best for our fighter.’’

The fact O’Brien is a wrestler doesn’t necessarily mean Arlovski will try to stay on his feet.

‘‘Andrei’s working on his Jiu Jitsu, so if it goes to the ground, he’s comfortable,’’ Garcia said. ‘‘He was criticized for the Werdum fight, but Werdum wanted to go to the floor and we wanted to stand up. If they want an exciting fight, put Andrei in with someone who stays on his feet.’’

Arlovski didn’t want to speculate about his future.

‘‘I have no idea what will happen,’’ he said. ‘‘After the fight, we’ll sit down with Dana and anything can happen.

‘‘I’ve gone 11 months without a fight, so that’s kind of not cool, but I’m excited to be back. And judging by the emails I get on my Web site [arlovski.tv], my fans are still behind me.’’

Source





I have a strange feeling, that Arlovski's last match in the UFC would be more boring than his last match againts Werdum...but i am still glad that he is excited to return to Octagon.

[Ramma]

Glad we are finally gonna get to see Arlovski fight again.

I can't tell if I want Arlovski to resign with the UFC or not.

[Gurry]

arlovski vs fedor?

[Warchief]

Originally Posted by Ramma

Glad we are finally gonna get to see Arlovski fight again.

I can't tell if I want Arlovski to resign with the UFC or not.

If AA won in a good fashion and Dana give him a huge bonus, i bet he would stay in the UFC...mark my Word.

[Texasboyballin]

Hell yea, I can't wait 2 c AA Backn in da Octagon !!

WAR AA !!!!

[ArMnHC]

O'brien's chin is very questionable, and i have a feeling AA will expose it.

i also think this fight will be a prelim see how the UFC is promoting the card on the UFC 82 website. it already acknowledges Silva/Hendo, Kongo/Herring, Tanner/Okami, and Fitch & Diego as all being on the main card (not naming their opponents yet)...

not surprised AA will be a prelim considering its his last fight on his contract. real bummer though. hopefully he finishes Jake very quickly so we can see it on PPV!!!

[btp]

I wanna see AA win in devestating fashion and get a ko of the night bonus, and a new contract.... but Im afraid were gonna see arlovsi loose a lay'n'pray decision.

[jlruthven84]

Arlovski's going to tear O'Brien apart, period.