Andrei Arlovski on Travis Browne: 'I'm not sure if he's going to be my friend' after UFC 187

Andrei Arlovski considers Travis Browne a friend. He’s stayed at his house, met his family and shared countless punishing hours in the training room.

Unfortunately MMA friendships can be fickle, and Arlovski (23-10 MMA, 12-4 UFC) isn’t sure his with Browne (17-2-1 MMA, 8-2-1 UFC) has the legs to go past their UFC 187 showdown on Saturday.

“Travis is my buddy; we used to go out together, and I stayed at his house,” Arlovski told MMAjunkie Radio. “About two years, plus or minus two years, we were teammates. … He was my friend, and he’s still my friend. But I’m not sure if he’s going to be my friend after May 23.”

Arlovski and Browne meet in a heavyweight bout on UFC 187’s pay-per-view main, which follows prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Browne is ranked No. 4 and Arlovski is No. 14 latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA heavyweight rankings/. The fighters were longtime training partners at Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA in Albuquerque, N.M., before Browne parted ways with the camp last year.

Browne relocated to Glendale Fight Club in California, home to UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. The 32-year-old looked strong in his lone performance since leaving the gym. He finished Brendan Schaub with first-round strikes at UFC 181 in December.

Although Arlovski said he’s maintained a solid relationship with Browne over the years, he admitted a part of him always believed a matchup was inevitable. He’s been prepared for it, but said that preparation hasn’t made the situation any easier.

“Yes (it’s difficult); but it’s business, nothing personal,” Arlovski said. “Even before we started hanging out together, I told him we might one day fight against each other. The reality is I’m going to fight him on (Saturday).”

As a veteran of more than 30 fights dating back to his April 1999 professional debut, Arlovski has essentially seen it all during his career. The former UFC heavyweight champion has experienced highs and lows, but he’s currently at a high point.

Arlovski completed his first UFC stint in 2008 and spent more than six years competing for various organizations. He returned to the organization in June and is 2-0 with wins over Schaub and Antonio Silva. “The Pitbull” last held the UFC belt in July 2006, but with every win, he’s inching toward another title fight.

The 36-year-old said his focus is on Browne, not a shot at the belt, but he’s aware a victory over his friend could provide a gateway to UFC gold. Competing against such a familiar face might rattle some fighters, but Arlovski said it’s sparked motivation to deliver his best showing to date.

“My best fights are still in my future, and I hope one of them is going to be in my next fight,” Arlovski said. “I’m not thinking (about the belt right now). First things first, I need to beat Travis Browne, and then it’s all up to the UFC.”

For more on UFC 187, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show, available on SiriusXM channel 92, is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.