As it usually happens, after another victory or an achieving some major results, Russian athletes gather an enormous interest from the press. Fedor Emelianenko in this case, is not an exception. As soon as he crossed the ocean he was bombarded with offers for interviews, to shoot some special programs, etc. Finally, once the frenzy was over, we had an opportunity to ask the champion a few questions that have built up.

Q: Fedor, you have fought your first fight, this year, on your new contract. It was one of the shortest time records in your deserving list. Did you expect such quick victory over Tim Sylvia?

A: I never expect when the fight is going to be over, and can never predict that in advance. Of course, you want it to be over as soon as possible, but I always prepare myself for a long and exhausting fight.

Q: Athlete's entrance to the ring traditionally is accompanied by music. This time it was a total surprise for the viewers, when suddenly an old Cossack proverb "Son Stepana Razina", better known as a national folk song "Oy, to ne vecher", started playing. What reason was there for this choice and who sang this song on the recording?

A: This was my choice; I very much like this song. In my life quest God crossed my paths with an amazing man - Protodeacon of Nizhniy Novgorod's archdiocese - father Andrey. When I heard this song done during his prayer, I asked him to record it for me, and he agreed.

Q: After the fight there was a zoomed-in shot of your trainer Vladimir Voronov putting a cross on your body. It appeared not too long ago. Are you a man of faith?

A: Yes, I'm a man of faith, and from not too long ago my life has changed, I will try to live by God's commandments...

Q: A first step in becoming a church going person is usually taken after some kind of distress: heavy disease, loss of a close person, other tragic events... What was the reason for you to make that decision?

A: After I met father Andrey, all my doubts disappeared... After spending some time near this man, I understood that this is the only right way; and through Father Andrey, God led me to people who helped me realize how I lived and how I should be living in the future.