Bodog's PR staff made available a question-and-answer session with Fedor Emelianenko for reporters to use as they see fit. I've decided to simply run it as is, since it isn't my own original reporting. I've made a couple minor edits to fix things that didn't translate well from Russian, but otherwise, this is verbatim:
Can you discuss what it means to you to be able to fight in front of your hometown fans? What do you think the reaction will be when you appear at the ICE Palace?
We wanted to make fights in Russia a long time ago. My fans wished such event long ago. So, I am hope, my fans will be glad to see me at the ICE Palace.
Also, how does it feel to be fighting with your brother at the same event?
I don't feel anything unusual (to fight with my brother at the same event) - because a long ago we participated at same events. This event is not for the first time.
What can fans expect from you in this fight?
As far as Russian fans will see my fight in Russia for the first time, I will try to do my best, to show fine fight. In my opinion, it will be interesting for Russian fans to see it.
How does your training regiment differ considering you will be fighting a smaller opponent in this fight? Anything specific you are doing to prepare?
There is no difference. I know, that Matt will put on weight for this event. During 3 weeks we were training in Kislovodsk, at the Olympic mountain training camp. Preparing was serious. Now - week of less trainings, and we are going to train next 3 weeks before fights (April, 14).
Who are you training with to prepare for the fight?
My training partners are Roman Zentsov, Kirill Sidelnikov, Mikhail Zayats.
What weight do you expect to come in for the fight?
104 kg
Any chance that you are taking this fight lightly because you opponent is so much lighter than you? How does your style match up with Lindland's? What do you know about him?
No, I do not think so. Matt is a strong opponent. Good beating style overlie, he makes an attack when he stand. I saw his fights: Matt floored a man in a boxing match (knockdowns) beat completely overlie. Matt feels himself masterfully at squared circle. His fights are fine.
Can you discuss the historical rivalry between Russia and the USA in fight terms? Is there any added incentive to beat Matt because he is a former American Olympian?
I know about the historical rivalry between Russia and USA in fight terms, but I wish Russians and Americans will not compete with each other and will live peacefully. And it is very pleasure for me to fight with Olympian, it testifies about higher level.
Will you prepare any differently for this fight than you would for a defense of your PRIDE title?
There is no difference. I am preparing hardly and seriously always. Every fight is important for me.
Can you discuss the growth of MMA in Russia, how it has changed in the last 5 years, and what that has meant for you?
Certainly, in the last five years, MMA has grown greatly. Thanks to Vadim Finkelshtain, my promoter, such kind of sport as mix-fight came in Russia. Now we have thousands of fans in Russia. I am sure, that popularity of MMA in Russia will grow more and more, and MMA will involve young fans.