Fedor Emelianenko

I try and make it possible for beginners to start training MMA and not be scared of it as a sport. I try to actually give them the skill set that is necessary — to feel comfortable, maybe not on a big level. And not just Russia, but worldwide.

With my victory, I must always remember that I glorify God.

I'm very grateful to God for what he gives me. Victories, remarkable victories, but you have to go through the defeats. That is why I praise God for everything.

I gain strength out of familiar surroundings.

Most importantly, you have to stay true to yourself as well as those fans who made you who you are as an athlete.

I would like to have a rematch against Fabricio Werdum.

Actually, when I fought in PRIDE, we had the best fighters in the world. Back then, the UFC had a very serious and big crisis; they were going through some tough times trying to get top fighters. All the best fighters were in PRIDE.

I've always fought as a heavyweight, and I didn't see any reason to fight at a lighter weight.

For every athlete, it is very important to be able to engage in their favorite thing, give all the best in training, performing in competitions, defending the honor of the motherland.

UFC is a moneymaking machine. The most important thing for this organization is a brand and its marketing. They have a couple of good fighters, and there are also some very good champions, but they are trying to keep everyone at the same level. The most important thing for them is the promotion, not the fighters.

When I was competing, I would run daily 20 kilometers, and in addition to that, I'd put in many hours of fighting and sparring. That's why I was always able to keep the speed in the ring. I would train so hard that sometimes it was not only hard to stand up, but it would also be hard to lay down.

It is God who gives us the opportunity to win and to get victories.

I don't think about fights that didn't happen.

A true athlete is someone who doesn't just stop training when they stop competing. It's a way of life, and they keep in shape just to keep up that standard.

In my opinion, faith helps in many contexts.