That's Fit

Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

My guest this week is one of the most menacing creatures the Octagon has ever known. Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski is a contradiction as one of the Ultimate Fighting Champion's Title Holders, and the kind of guy anyone would die to call their friend. As generous as he is powerful......Andrei is someone I'm proud to introduce you to.

In fact, a couple of weeks ago I watched Andrei win a UFC match on television. Normally, he lives up to his nick name "The Pitbull," but on this night.....the story was only slightly different. He overwhelmed his opponent in a completely lopsided first round, and then chose not to go for the knock out in the second and third (UFC rounds last five minutes). This was very smart of Andrei, as it preserved his win and kept him far from risk. But.....the crowd wanted blood and gave a little "Boo." This is what I love about Andrei. He totally could have left his opponent unconscious if he would have chosen to, but since he didn't go for it....he took responsibility to the UFC fans. The man actually took the microphone post-win and apologized to the crowd! Have you ever heard of that? The guy is both and monster and a gentleman at the same time. A perfect combination.

Andrei is a former police officer and is now playing hero to his sport. Interviewing Andrei was a lot of fun for me. He speaks English extremely well, but I left his "accent" here in the interview. I think it adds to his charm. Enjoy!

Fitz: How did you get involved with Mixed Martial Arts and UFC?

Andrei: When I was a student in the Police Academy. It is a four year school like University here. Every student needs to learn a combat sport and I learned Sambo. I excelled at this and after the Academy I tested myself with cage fighting. I then moved to Chicago and had my first fight with the UFC.

Fitz: What are your workouts like when you don't have a fight pending?

Andrei: I work on my technique in Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu and freestyle wrestling. I also do my cardio to keep in shape.

Fitz: What are your workouts like when you do have a fight in the near future?

Andrei: My work out changes as it gets closer to the fight, and also changes depending on the opponent. I work out six days a week and 6-8 hours a day.

Fitz: What's the most grueling thing you do?

Andrei: It is all grueling.

Fitz: From my fighting days and from speaking to tons of champion fighters, no one seems to enjoy the day of a fight. Too much pre-fight anxiety. What type of mood are you in before your fights?

Andrei: Before the fight I am very excited and somewhat nervous as well. Only foolish people don't get nervous. I can't wait to see how all my hard work pays off.

Fitz: If you have anxiety, how do you deal with it?

Andrei: It's not anxiety... It's more hyper. I wait for the fight for a long time, 2.5 months... I just want to fight.

Fitz: What keeps you going in a tough clash?

Andrei: Because I want to win. I have a game plan during my fights and I just execute that. First round or fifth.

Fitz: You often fight with a full beard. That seems like it would leave you more hot and sticky. Only a girl would ask that, I know. But does the beard affect you?

Andrei: Ha! For me, the beard does not bother me at all.

Fitz: Describe your eating habits.

Andrei: I eat a lot of chicken, fish, beef and veggies.

Fitz: Favorite healthy food?

Andrei: Almost everything I eat is healthy so I can't say there is one thing that I like more then the next.

Fitz: Favorite not-so-healthy food?

Andrei: After a fight I definitely like to enjoy Cookies and Ice cream.

Fitz: What's on your MP3 player?

Andrei: Depends on my mood. If I am working out, some energy. Mostly Hip-hop, rap and some Russian music you might not know.

Fitz: Who inspires you to be better?

Andrei: I want to be better, because I want to be the best in the MMA world...in the heavyweight division.

Fitz: If you could choose any UFC athlete to fight tomorrow, who would it be and why?

Andrei: I get this question a lot and honestly it doesn't matter who I fight as long as they are one of the best. If I could choose I would want one more fight with Tim Sylvia... It's kind of personal.

Fitz: What are your hobbies outside fighting?

Andrei: I like to read books, play with my dog, nice dinners, concerts and traveling to the beach.

Fitz: Do you follow any sports besides UFC?

Andrei: I like professional boxing. I like watching lightweights.

Fitz: If you were in a dance contest with Randy Couture, who would win?

Andrei: Of course me!

Fitz: What advice do you have for the general fitness buff who wants to be leaner and in better shape?

Andrei: Eat healthy and spend more time in the health club.

Fitz: What's one thing your fans would be shocked to learn about you?

Andrei: Tell you a secret? Why don't you tell ME a secret!

*** Andrei's website is one of the coolest I've ever seen. Click here to check it out, and make sure the sound on your computer is ON!

Check out these other great Celebrity Fitzness Interviews!