After spending six years away from the UFC, former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski returned to the UFC in 2008 with a split decision win over Brendan Schaub. Most fans weren’t sure that Arlovski that won the title had returned or if Arlovski would simply be a journeyman heavyweight in the division.

Arlovski proved that he was really back in his next fight with Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva. Silva was one fight removed from a heavyweight title fight and coming off a Fight of the Year candidate with Mark Hunt. Arlovski won the fight by brutal knockout in the first round proving his was still a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. Arlovski went on to win his two fights as well and will next fight at UFC 195 versus Stipe Miocic with a heavyweight title fight likely on the line.

More about Andrei Arlovski

When and why did you start training for fighting? Andrei did not begin his martial arts training until he was 18. He was a soccer goalie until age 14 when he gave it up to concentrate on personal fitness. Later, he enrolled in the police academy where one of the required classes was Sambo. He showed great potential and was offered training on a more serious scale for competition. In 1999, after only a year of training, Andrei became a Champion of the European Youth SAMBO Championship as well as a Champion of the World Youth SAMBO Championship. Also 1999 Andrei got the second place (silver medal) at the SAMBO World Cup and the second place at the World SAMBO Championship. He became first Master of Sport, and then International Master of Sport. After winning the Sambo championships, he started competing in mixed martial arts and won the European Mixed Fighting championship.

What ranks and titles have you held? Former UFC World Heavyweight Champion, European Mixed Fighting champion, multiple SAMBO championships.

Do you have any heroes? I am grateful to all of the masters I have trained with.

What is your favorite technique? Combining both striking and wrestling.

source: ufc.com