There are few fighters in the heavyweight ranks who have a more “been there, done that” mentality than Andrei Arlovski.
The Belarusian striker is a two-time former heavyweight champion under the UFC banner and has maintained his status as one of the elite-level heavyweight fighters across the globe for more than a decade. Yet, Arlovksi in his latest form appears to be aiming to get his hands back on championship gold, and that’s exactly what he’s looking to accomplish on the road ahead.
The Pit Bull has won back-to-back showings since returning to the UFC in 2014, and has run his current winning streak to four straight victories going back to March of 2013. This consistency is concrete proof that the former fleet-footed knockout artist has rediscovered his groove and is firing on all cylinders inside the Octagon.
“I have really been moving well in my recent fights and that’s what I’m going to try to do in my next fight as well,” Arlovski told Bleacher Report. “I am at my best when I use my footwork with my striking and I believe going back to having more movement inside the cage has been a big part of my recent success. We worked it a lot for this camp and I’m ready to go.
His surging confidence will be put to the test on Saturday night when he faces former training partner and fellow potential title hopeful Travis Browne at UFC 187. Where Arlovski is chasing his own redemption under the UFC banner, Hapa is after a similar goal as well. The rangy Hawaiian striker has twice been poised to break through into title contention, but has been turned back sharply in both of those outings.
The heavyweight tilt between Arlovski and Browne will see one man’s dreams dashed for the foreseeable future, while it will keep the other man’s fire raging hot. Arlovski is confident he will be the one who goes on while his opponent is sent to the back of the line in the heavyweight ranks. While that particular scenario could be rough waters on the relationship of the former training partners, Arlovski is quick to cite championship ambitions and the fight business in general leaves little room for friendships.
“I am feeling great,” Arlovski said. “My training has gone very well and I had an incredible camp to prepare me for this fight. I’m ready to face Travis Browne on Saturday and I’m excited for the fight.
“This wasn’t my first pick on who I wanted to fight, but at the end of the day it’s business and nothing personal. It is my goal to be champion again one day and I would most likely have to face Travis anyway. We will see what will happen on May 23 and after, but this is just business for me. He accepted the fight as well and I agreed after him. Now we are going to fight and we’ll see what happens.
“I am very happy to be back fighting in the UFC,” he added. “It is the best organization in the world and it is where all the best fighters in the world are. This is where I belong and it is the reason the UFC brought me back. I’m very appreciative to be back and I’m going to/ make the most of my second chance. I’m in my prime so I think my best is still yet to come.”
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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