Please enjoy a new interview with Affliction fighter Paul Buentello, in which shares his thoughts on latest bout against Kirill Sidelnikov, reveals his game plan against Russian fighter, talks about AA/Fedor fight, his future in Affliction, and answers few other questions from visitors of valetudo.ru
valetudo.ru: Paul, first of all, please accept our congratulations on your impressive win over a young Russian star Kirill Sidelnikov. You performance surprised fans and specialist, so definitive was you advantage throughout the bout.
Paul Buentello: Thank you. I'm glad everyone enjoyed the fight.
valetudo.ru: In your last fight, did everything go as you planned, and were you surprised that Kirill made only one takedown attempt?
Paul Buentello: Not really. From what I say in his previous matches his style is alot like mine.
valetudo.ru: Many Russian fans expressed their opinion that you were very generous to Kirill by not finishing him with a KO in the 3rd round, while you had multiple opportunities to do so.
Were you overcautious, or you didn’t want to hurt Kirill more?
Paul Buentello: I am an agressive fighter but one thing I have learned is that it just takes one shot to end a fight. When you try to force the KO you sometimes end up on the recieving end of one. Kiril is a tough fighter and with more experience I think he could be one of the best. I have alot of respect for him and his team.
valetudo.ru: After your own fight, did you have an opportunity to watch the remaining bouts on the card? If so, who impressed you the most and what do you think about the main event of the evening – Fedor vs. Andrei?
Paul Buentello: I did get to watch a few of them. Of course the Fedor/AA match is one that everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. AA looked good and Fedor is just Fedor. There is a reason he is the best and he showed it once again.
valetudo.ru: Who are you looking forward for you next opponent? At some point of time, would you like to have a shot at Fedor and WAMMA Championship belt?
Paul Buentello: I'd like to fight any of the top guys in Affliction. I only have a few years of fighting left and want to compete against the best. As far as fighting Fedor it would be an honor and it is something that I'd like. I'm sure if I keep winning that could happen but right now Josh seems next in line.
valetudo.ru: Do you want to say anything to Russian MMA fans who followed you career for a long time?
Paul Buentello: I'm always gratefull when anyone enjoys what I do. In all my years of fighting I have never competed outside of the US so I am very thankfull that the Russian fans even know who I am.
valetudo.ru: Is there anyone you would like to mention or to thank?
Paul Buentello: I just want to thank the MMA fans and my friends and faimly. Also, my team at AKA and my sponsors for allowing me to still live this dream.
valetudo.ru: Thank you Paul, we wish you all the best and hope to see you fighting soon again!
Again, congratulations on your impressive victory!
Paul Buentello: Thank you again!
