Written by Tom Ngo January 14th, 2011


Just because Fedor Emelianenko isno146;t interested in competing inside of an Octagon, it hasno146;t deterred the Russian from keeping a watchful eye on his stateside counterparts. While many have argued his primitive training methods wono146;t stack up with whato146;s currently going on in rival camps, Emelianenko prefers the comforts of home.
However, it appears the secretive heavyweight is open to allowing a certain outsider to enter his inner circle.

o147;Firstly, when I train in the mountains in remote areas I train in the high altitude where ito146;s very cold o150; even near freezing,o148; Fedor said during Thursdayo146;s conference call. o147;It just makes the entire training process that much more difficult, which I believe is beneficial because if I can get through it then Io146;ll be that much better for it.

o147;Another reason I do it is because nobody bothers me. All I do up there is train, eat and sleep. And all I need to concentrate on is the entire process of my training regimen without any distractions. I believe thato146;s what allows me to be in maximum shape leading up to a fight.o148;

While this formula has worked flawlessly throughout most of his illustrious career, the 34o150;year-old will be looking to bounce back from his first loss in nearly a decade, which has many believing change is long overdue.
If thato146;s the case, Emelianenko is open to exchanging with some new sparring partners. The worldo146;s former/current top 265-pounder has a prior UFC interim champion sitting atop his wish list.

o147;Io146;m probably going to train in Russia [for the Grand Prix]. Io146;m more comfortable there and I like to be close to my family. Ito146;s likely Io146;ll probably stay in Russia,o148; Emelianenko said. o147;But I wouldno146;t mind training somewhere else and with someone like Shane Carwin, who is a good fighter.o148;

Antonio Silva welcomes Fedor back to the cage in the opening round of Strikeforceo146;s tournament. If o147;The Last Emperoro148; is able to advance past o147;Bigfooto148; in February, that might be the perfect time to recruit Carwino146;s services.

If champion Alistair Overeem can survive his quarterfinals matchup against upset specialist Fabricio Werdum, the showdown to end all showdowns will finally be arranged. What better way to prepare for a massive slugger than by training with o133; a massive slugger?

Although Carwin has plenty of horses to practice with, ito146;s likely heo146;d welcome Emelianeko in with open arms as heo146;s preparing for his comeback fight at UFC 131 in June. The timing would work out perfectly for both studs should Fedor advance to the semifinals of the Grand Prix.