“Fighting in the cage just didn’t feel good. The real problem was in me, not in the UFC or the cage. That wasn’t who I am and I will return one day to fight in the cage. I owe this to all of my fans and especially my UK fans.”

Regarding Dana White:

“I can perfectly understand a decreased interest in me after my bad performances. It’s just business and you can’t blame the UFC or Mr. White for putting me aside. I can only say that Mr. White acted very professional and I had no problem in getting released from my UFC contract. I also hope that we’ll always respect each other and perhaps work together in the future.”

Regarding DREAM and returning to Japan:

“My dream has come true, I’ll fight in Japan again. I’ve signed a three fight contract with a possibility of extension. It’s where I had some memorable moments, where I feel at home. DREAM is a new organization with a good management and huge potential. Japan is a big market and these guys know how to bring something to a high level. I’ll do my best to help them on that way.”

Regarding title fights in DREAM:

“Yes, there were some talk of me being involved in a first DREAM heavyweight title fight. I’m welcoming this opportunity and I’m willing to fight anyone they put me against. I feel reborn and I’ll be on a quest for the most anticipated titles in the world.”

Cro Cop/Fedor II?:

“The moment our first fight finished I wanted to fight him again. He’s a brilliant fighter and it would be a honor to fight him again. This fight is really a nice thought, but I’ll take one step at a time and we’ll see what happens.”

Regarding his recent performances:

“The losses came from a lack of motivation. I was really empty, I had no fire left in me. It’s something that is probably the worst scenario for a professional fighter. What was left for me was to give a serious thought about if I had anything left in me. Now I feel different, but you just can’t bring the time back. Hopefully I’ll have my chance to fight against these fighters again.”

A special message for Chiek Kongo:

“I have a message for Kongo. Listen, I though that you are a sportsman, a professional like everyone else in this sport. You were lucky enough to fight against me during the deepest crisis of my career. You probably ate a lot of vegetables and potatoes to look like that? I’ll be back in the cage and I hope you will be in the opposite corner. Then we’ll see for how long you’ll be able to talk.”

 The message to Kongo was inresponse to Knogo saying that Cro Cop was on steroids.