By Andrei Kuznetsov

Photo personal archive

Holding over 30 professional fights on his record, the Russian Alexander Shlemenko won Bellator’s GP and was chosen to fight for the belt against the Cuban Hector Lombard. “I expect to win this fight. I really want to win by knockout and take Bellator middleweight Championship belt back home to Omsk, Russia”, he said. On an exclusive interview to TATAME, the middleweight from Russia talked about his career, revealed that his fight against José Pelé Landi were the toughest, mainly after breaking both arms on the second fight, and revealed a desire for a rematch with Ronaldo Jacaré, who submitted him on Jungle Fight, in 2006.

Alexander, you’ve been to Brazil a few times. What were your impressions on Brazil, it’s people, MMA fighters?

I really enjoyed Brazil! It is a very beautiful country, awesome beaches, nice weather, great people! One thing that was sad is that I fought there twice, and lost both times. Speaking about Brazilian fighters, it is well known that they are very tough, technical, and they are rightfully at top ten in any weight category.

Alexander, you had over 40 professional MMA fights up to date. Which fight was the most difficult and challenging in your career? Whom would you consider your toughest opponent?

I would say that my second fight against Jose Pele Landi was the most difficult one, mostly because I had to fight for two rounds with both of my arms broken, and Pele was a very tough opponent. But I think I have my toughest fights ahead of me.

What do you think about training in the US?

It was great to take an opportunity and train in Orange County in California. Great gyms, and, most importantly, great sparring partners. I also enjoyed training under Rafael Cordeiro, who’s an awesome coach!

What can you say about Bellator FC, and 8-men MW tournament that you won?

I really enjoy fighting for Bellator! Before that I had quite a bit of experience fighting in 8-men tournaments in Russia, as a matter of fact, I won 5 such tournament. The difference was that in Russia all 3 fights took place in one night. My opponents in Bellator Grand Prix were very strong and tough, and it was a great pleasure and honor for me to come out of these fights as a victor!

What do you expect from your fight against Hector Lombard?

I expect to win this fight. I really want to win by knockout and take Bellator middleweight Championship belt back home to Omsk, Russia!

What are you future goals as MMA fighter?

Well, my main goal is to become the best fighter in the world in my weight class.

In which promotions would you like to compete (UFC, Strikeforce)?

UFC and Strikeforce are great events, but at this moment I’m a Bellator fighter, and I still have unfinished business here, the title of a Champion.

Do you have idols in MMA world? Fighters that you look up to?

I can’t say that I have idols, I can name fighters whose fights I enjoy to watch – Wanderlei Silva, Melvin Manhoeff, King Mo, Allistar Overeem, Quinton Jackson, and others.

Are there any fighters you would like to compete against? Why?

First of all, I really want to fight again against Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Jordan Radev to avenge my losses to them. Also, it would be great to fight against Anderson Silva someday, because he is the best MW fighter in the world now.

Have you seen Fedor vs. Werdum fight? What are your thoughts on it?

Yes, I saw this fight. I think that Werdum had a very competent strategy in this fight, he managed to apply it and won.

At the beginning of your international career you lost to Ronaldo Jacare Souza. What do you think about this fighter? Would you like to have a rematch with him? If you’d fight against him again, what can you say about the outcome of such bout?

Jacare is a very strong BJJ fighter, one of the best, if not the best, in the World. It is very unfortunate that when I fought him I didn’t have any ground game at all, and the fight was so one sided. I’m completely different fighter now, actually, thanks to this loss, now I know how to defend against BJJ, and I really want to fight Jacare again. I’m sure that now our fight will go differently, and my arm will be raised as of a winner after it.

Any words to Brazilian MMA fans?

I would like to thank everybody who support me, I hope to visit this beautiful country again, and show Brazilian MMA fans some exciting and brutal fights!