INTERVIEWS JEFF MONSON

In 16 days, Jeff Monson entered three times in the rings. At Florida, the fighter defeated Roy Nelson in SRP, by unanimous decision. Eight days later, the athlete was already inIreland to submit Sergei Maslobojev. At the week later, Monson was in Japan to face Sergei Kharitonov at Dream 8, once again winning by submission. After the fights marathon, the fighter spoke with TATAME.com about his victory in the Dream and challenged the biggest heavyweight in the world. “I am the guy to beat him. He is a great fighter no doubt – on top of the world. But fights are about matchups and I think I match up well against him", said Jeff, who is in contact with Affliction. Check below the exclusive interview with Monson, who also speaks about UFC, Lesnar and Frank Mir.

 

How do you think about this victory? Did everything go as planned?

 

I was pleased with the win. Sergei is a very tough fighter and I was happy to get out of there with a win. The match went as planned. You never know how it will go in a fight but it worked out well.

 

You said you want a shot at Fedor now. How do you think would be this fight?

 

I am the guy to beat him. He is a great fighter no doubt – on top of the world. But fights are about matchups and I think I match up well against him.

 

Josh Barnett doesn’t seem motivated to fight Fedor and they doesn’t have any opponent set yet for Emelianenko. Do you contacted Affliction before or after this last fight?

 

We have contacted them, just waiting to hear back at this point.

 

Talking about Affliction, how would you like a rematch against Pedro Rizzo, who defeated you at AOW?

 

I would like to fight him again because he beat me before. Saying that, he is a really good guy and a fantastic fighter as well. I'm not asking for that fight in particular.

 

You’re coming with six victories in a row. Do you think about going back to the UFC?

 

The UFC is great and has always treated me well. That is a possibility. Gotta go where the big fights for me are right now.

 

You won four fights in the octagon and then lost a title fight against Sylvia. How do you think you’d be there now?

 

Well, Tim fought a smart fight against me and was the better fighter that night. I hope I've learned enough to make it a different fight now.

 

How do you think will be Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir 2? Do you think Mir can beat Lesnar again?

 

He could because of his great submissions. Do I think he will? No. I think Lesnar will finish it fairly early.

 

Were you surprised with Lesnar’s victory over Couture? And Nogueira being knocked out for the first time by Mir?

 

I wasn't suprised by Lesnar's victory, just that he won by striking. I was fairly shocked that Mir beat Nogueira the way he did.

 

How do you think would be a fight between you and Brock?

 

I would like that fight because of my submissions but it would be a tough fight. Toughest fight for me in the UFC right now.

 

How are the training at ATT? Do you train with Antonio Silva?

 

I train at ATT in Florida for my fights. I have trained with Antonio before but not recently. He is a very well-rounded fighter and will make waves in whatever organization he fights for.

 

Most of Brazilian fans think Antonio is now the only Brazilian heavyweight who actually has a chance to beat Fedor. Do you agree? How do you think would be this fight?

 

Antonio would have a chance because he is good at all aspects of the fight game and would have a size and strength advantage against Fedor.

 

Please, send a message for your fans in Brazil.

 

I appreciate all your support over the years. I have felt the connection with the people and fans from Brazil since I started my MMA career. Thank you!