UFC Vet Andrei Semenov Returns at Thursday’s M-1 Challenge XXV

Denis Kang vs. Andrei Semenov at Pride Bushido 8

There’s not much that veteran Russian fighter Andrei Semenov hasn’t accomplished.

Inside MMA, he’s fought in the UFC, Pride, M-1 Global, and other top promotions, while outside he’s become a star in the entertainment field. Yet, he still yearns for more.

As Semenov recently told MMAWeekly.com, “Right now I have a lot of offers to compete and I would like to one day be known as a champion.

“On the other hand, I also like instructing and opening schools so new fighters can learn the sport and develop as well.”

Semenov then discussed his two-and-a-half-year hiatus, “I didn’t fight MMA, but I participated in the hand-to-hand fighting and combat Sambo championships.

“I was teaching master classes, attending sports camps, and working in the movie industry. I didn’t really have any MMA offers that were significant enough to get me back in the ring.”

When asked what made him decide to return to MMA at this time, Semenov replied with a smile, “Nostalgia, and I didn’t have good enough offers to fight.

“I want to return and test myself. MMA is constantly changing and evolving and I want to be part of these changes.”

Semenov’s first test back will be against fellow UFC veteran Luigi Fioravanti at M-1 Global’s Challenge event in St. Petersburg, Russia, on April 28.

“Luigi has good endurance, is resilient, and has sharp stand-up,” said Semenov. “But his weaknesses lie in his tendency to miss strikes from the right side.

“We’re both excellent fighters and it will come down to who can capitalize on the other’s mistakes.”

Semenov feels he will have no ring rust in his return and has placed his attention firmly on the task at hand.

“My goal right now is solely focused on this coming fight. I want to step in to the ring and win,” he commented.

Having achieved so much in his career both inside MMA and out, Semenov continues to push himself to achieve greater things, and hopes to take the first steps towards those achievements on April 28 when he returns to M-1 Global.

“I want to thank everybody who has been with me from the start for their support and help along the way.”