Arunas Andriuskevicus 15-5-0 is a Lithuanian professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Light-heavyweight division, representing London Shootfighters. He has competed for Ultimate Warrior Challenge UK, Extreme Brawl UK, Ultimate Challenge MMA, Celtic Gladiator And Bellator MMA.
I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Arunas, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming return to the cage at Bellator London.
“Hey, no worries at all, thanks for taking an interest!”
I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your highly anticipated return to the Bellator cage?
“The camp is going well, we are 4 weeks out, which means the training is at its peak, anyone who’s been there knows the feeling – overtrained and under-rested lool.”
How did it feel when receiving the call to be part of what is set to be a sold-out Wembley Arena when Scott Coker’s Bellator returns across the Atlantic?
“To be honest, since my last fight I kept pestering Bellator to be on the next UK show, so it wasn’t much of a surprise. Although, ideally I was hoping to get a rematch with Lee Chadwick. Other than that of course it’s great to be fighting in London and (obviously) Wembley!”
You are set to take centre stage in the capital against David Trallero, who will be making his debut for the place you have called home for the past 3 years. What do you make of your David leading up to your scheduled meeting?
“Ha, as much as I’d like to milk it, I can hardly call it “home”. My previous fight was almost 3 years ago, followed by a few mishaps then a long layoff due to the pandemic and later Achilles rupture. But yes of course I’ve been here longer than David, for sure. I’m expecting it to be an explosive fight, I know David has a lot of boxing and kickboxing experience, so no doubt he’ll prefer to keep it on the feet.”
Being part of one of the biggest stages in MMA is the perfect complement to your career, since starting the path down your professional career back in 2006. Many moments have produced stand out performances.
Most notably for me was back in 2017, tanking on Luciano Zampieri at Celtic Gladiator 12. Deconstructing the Brazilian and showing the phenomenal power you possess, taking victory In the very 1st round. Is there a specific bout that stands out most for you?
“Ha, thanks. This just reminds me that I should be thinking of retirement soon! The Zampieri fight was an interesting one, everything went right, then very wrong, I still won, but it feels like I made hard work of an easy fight, oh well. The following fight on Celtic Gladiator was a tough one vs Lukasz Klinger. I got a nasty cut on my eyebrow in the 2nd so I had not only my opponent to deal with, but also stress that the doctor might stop the fight. The Cutman in between the rounds was brilliant though, as he managed to stop the bleeding of my by that point, already dangling eyebrow.”
All roads and avenues have led to what could be one of the defining moments within your journey so far. Some of the biggest names in Bellator will be joining you in the proverbial Lion’s den on May 13th. Michael ‘Venom’ Page, Paul ‘Semtex’ Dayley and Scotland’s own Robert Whiteford just to name a few.
Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re particularly looking forward to witnessing?
“I’m excited to see my teammates Alfie Davis and MVP’s fights. I’ve seen the effort they’re putting in at the gym and cannot wait for the fireworks! Other than that from a professional perspective, it’s always interesting seeing anyone in your weight division.”
Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance and anybody you’d like to give a shout-out to?
“Shout-out to my coaches at London Shootfighters and my colleagues at Icen Risk for their patience and my teammates for helping me in the preparation!”
Image by @jerryphotography