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RusFighters' Alexander Shlemenko Ready for Pele! By Eduardo Alonso 
With many tough fighters coming out of Russia, including PRIDE Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko, it would seem obvious that MMA promoters are turning their eyes to this country in search of talent. However, what seems obvious is not always what happens, and although Russia produces many quality fighters, few of them actually get to "see the light," as politics and other issues make it tough for them to reach the bigger stages.This clearly isn't the case with Wallid Ismail's Jungle Fight, as one of the most important fights on next Saturday night's card in Manaus, Brazil will feature MMA legend Jose "Pele" Landi-Jons, against RusFighters Sport Club representative Alexander Shlemenko. Coming from a young team, the hardworking Shlemenko is only 21 years old himself with numerous wins already under his belt in lower level Russian shows. With an aggressive and entertaining style, Shlemenko is mainly a striker who's eager to brawl with Pele and show his own skills in what could be the most important bout of the night. FCF got the opportunity to talk with the promising Russian before he becomes a star. FCF: Russia is a country that has produced many great fighters in many fighting styles. How and when did you start training Martial Arts? AS: When I was nine years old, I started Greco-Roman wrestling. Although I did it for a short period of time, I competed in a few tournaments and took fourth place in Omsk, my home city. When I was 10 years old, I started kickboxing. When I was 14, I started Muay Thai, and when I turned 15, I started Army Combat Fighting. I still do it; I study in a sports institute. My specialty is Army Combat Fighting. [Writer's note- Army Combat Fighting is a sport very close to MMA. All kinds of striking and grappling techniques are allowed, even kicking and punching a downed opponent. Competitors wear gis and special helmets to protect their faces.] FCF: I understand you have a lot of experience in Army Combat fighting, which is very traditional in Russia. I'm sorry if I sound ignorant, but do you also have military experience? AS: No, not yet. However I took part in multiple Army championships, I represented airborne troops [Marines] -- it's an elite troop in the Russian army. And I won most of them. FCF: Some of the world's best fighters are from Russia, such as Fedor Emelianenko and Sergei Kharitonov. How did you become interested in MMA and why did you want to start doing it? AS: The first time I saw MMA was in 1997. It was a video tape of an AFC event in Moscow and I really enjoyed it. I saw MMA live during one tournament in Irkutsk, a large Siberian city, in 2001. By that time I had already achieved a lot in Army Combat Fighting, and when I saw that event I understood that I could beat many of those fighters. In 2004, I started to compete in professional MMA events and did pretty good. FCF: You have been doing well in your MMA career, but your fights have been mainly in Russia and in shows that people outside of Russia don't hear about. Compared to what you watch on tapes, how would you rate those shows? AS: Well, if you look at show level, Russian events are not as good as the best shows in the world. However, in my opinion, many unknown international level Russian fighters would do pretty good against top competition in those shows and I think I would do good as well. FCF: Do you think the MMA community should pay more attention to those shows in your country as many talents could be discovered there? AS: Of course. As I said, there are a lot of good fighters in Russia. Those who live close to big cities like St. Petersburg or Moscow get some media attention. But those who live far from center of Russia, in Siberia, or in the far east, they don't have any exposure at all. There are a lot of talented guys over there, so it is up to promoters to find such talents, prepare them and introduce them to international MMA scene. Unfortunately, there are very few companies who are ready to honestly work in this area on a high professional level. The company that I represent, RusFighters Sport Club, is one of them. FCF: You are considered a striker. Do you like to fight standing up more, or do you also enjoy ground fighting? AS: Frankly speaking, I prefer to fight standing, because I want to win my fight by KO's. It is more interesting and important to me then to win by submissions. FCF: You are now being given a chance to perform in Jungle Fight, which is a well-known show all over the globe. What does this opportunity mean to you? AS: It means a lot to me. This is a chance to showcase my skills on a high international level in a great show against famous opponent in front of a large and experienced audience. FCF: Your opponent is Pele Landi-Jons, who's a legend in the MMA game, having fought many top opponents in top shows. Does it feel any different from your other fights? How does it feel to fight Pele? AS: Of course, it is a very big difference. First, it would be my first fight against a fighter from another country, and my first fight in another country as well. Second, Pele is a very serious opponent; he's got tons of experience. Third, the result of this fight is very important to me. So, I can say, this would be the most important and the most difficult fight in my life. FCF: How do you imagine the fight unfolding? Do you feel prepared to exchange strikes with him? AS: I am prepared for everything. It is hard to give any predictions. I think the fight will show what each of us is capable of. FCF: You have fought and beat Vasily Krylov, who fought in Heat FC 3 in Brazil and impressed many. How was the fight? AS: In the middle of the fight I turned it, made it go my way, and from that moment I controlled it fully. FCF: You have recently also fought in an M-1 show, and won in the first round. Do you feel that after this bout in Jungle Fight bigger opportunities will appear? AS: Definitely, if I win, it will be a turning point in my career. FCF: You have won several tournaments, fighting up to three times in one night. Do you like the tournament format, or do you prefer the single match format? AS: Well, it could go different ways. Hard to say for sure. It depends on opponents, on level, and importance of the show. FCF: Any messages for the fans? AS: Good health, wins in life, and watch MMA! FCF: Thanks a lot for the interview and the best of luck in your fight. AS: Thank you very much! |
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