Andrey Koreshkov Is Prepared for the ‘Evolved Version’ of Lorenz Larkin

Former Bellator MMA 170-pound champion Andrey Koreshkov is sure things will go differently in his second bout with Lorenz Larkin.

Koreshkov (26-4, 15-4 Bellator) will have the chance to vindicate his 2019 defeat at the hands of Larkin when they rematch at the Bellator MMA X Rizin event on July 29. “Spartan” is in a good moment in his career, riding a four-bout winning streak. His latest defeat dates back to October 2019, when he lost a narrow split decision to Larkin. While talking with Sherdog, Koreshkov mentioned that winning against Larkin was his immediate goal, and, depending on the outcome, his long-term goal was to fight for the title. Reflecting on their previous fight in 2019, Koreshkov emphasized his growth as a fighter, both in skill and experience. The Storm Shlemenko Fight Team representative acknowledged that Larkin has also improved and expects to face an evolved version of him in their rematch.

“Our first fight happened almost four years ago, and I can tell about myself that, as a fighter, I grew up significantly. I became much better in everything, but most importantly, in the level of my experience as an MMA pro athlete and on the mental level that experience gives you. Speaking of the mental level, I mean the mental preparation for the fight, the ability to focus before the fight. Referring to Lorenz, after our fight, he hasn't lost any bouts. I think there was one more contest, but he was beating everybody after he fought me. I think he also improved as a fighter a lot. I'm not going to face the same version of Lorenz from 2019. It's going to be an evolved version of Lorenz, and I'm prepared for that.”

(00:00) Intro
(00:33) His morning session
(01:37) Fighting in Japan for the first time
(03:50) His relationship with Fedor Emelianenko
(06:10) Attributing his career to Alexander Shlemenko
(07:44) Why he doesn’t need to fly sparring partners from outside Russia
(09:59) Facing Larkin again
(11:34) His evolution as a fighter since their first clash in 2019
(14:18) Outro