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Why former UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski isn't pining for a title shot

LAS VEGAS – For being a former UFC heavyweight champion in the midst of an unlikely career resurgence, Andrei Arlovski's nonchalant approach toward redemption is kind of refreshing.

"One step at a time," said the 36-year-old after a rousing first-round knockout of former teammate Travis Browne at UFC 187. "Obviously, in the future I want to be a champion. But sooner or later, it doesn't really matter. I can be in line like the other heavyweights, so I'm good. I still have few more years in the UFC."

Andrei Arlovski (R) and Travis Browne trade blows during their heavyweight fight. (AP)
Andrei Arlovski (R) and Travis Browne trade blows during their heavyweight fight. (AP)

Grinning from ear to ear after the fight, the victorious Belarusian was understandably pleased with his performance against Browne. It was not only one of the greatest rounds in heavyweight history – it the early frontrunner for Fight of the Year, and it marked his third consecutive victory since returning to the UFC in June 2014 after nearly six years away from the place where he first became a world champion.

Arlovski reigned as UFC heavyweight champion from Feb. 2005 to April 2006. With his trademark "fangs" and his signature walkout music, "The Pitbull" was one of the larger characters to come out of the original "TUF" era. As the sport was beaming to televisions all across the country on SPIKE TV, Arlovski was a premium product, headlining four PPVs during his tenure as champ.

But after losing his belt to Tim Sylvia at UFC 59, Arlovski would be gone from the UFC by 2008. By 2011, it looked as if Arlovski's career was all but done. He had lost four fights in a row for the Affliction and Strikeforce promotions, and his desire seemed to fade along with his skills.

Then something quite unexpected happened. Andrei Arlovski started winning again. A lot, actually. Over his next 11 fights, he won 10. The only loss was to Saturday's main event title challenger Anthony Johnson at a World Series of Fighting event in the spring of 2013.

Arlovski's win over Browne marked his 11th win in 12 fights and it didn't come easy.

After some initial pressure and successful flurries in Round 1, Arlovski caught a huge punch from Browne that brought him to his knees. Most thought Arlovski was on his way out, but the 36-fight veteran had other plans.

"I was kind of surprised to be honest with you," Arlovski said about Browne's punch, "and at the same time I was confused. Because I throw many punches and for some reason I saw him smile on all my combinations. And it was scary. I dropped. And it was good that I stood up and finished him. Everything was lucky for me."

Andrei Arlovski celebrates after defeating Travis Browne at UFC 187. (AP)
Andrei Arlovski celebrates after defeating Travis Browne at UFC 187. (AP)

Arlovski was being rather humble. Luck had absolutely nothing to do with him scraping himself off the canvas and fighting back to score a statement win like he did.

Continuing with his humble proclamations, the team Jackson-Winklejohn transplant thanked his dedicated team, along with embattled UFC light heavyweight Jon Jones for his help preparing him for the 6'7, 240-pound Hawaiian, Browne, "I had two amazing sparring partners who simulate Travis' style – thank you very much to Jon Jones," he said "It's what I did for like 13 weeks maybe more; I just tried to go forward, throw combinations.

"And plus all my coaches are in my head all the time, 'Do this, throw that, don't do this, don't do that' – so, it's great coaches and great teammates. I'm blessed, man."

The heavyweight division is thinning and Arlovski is climbing the ranks once again. The interim champion Fabricio Werdum meets lineal heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez in June at UFC 188 and whoever the winner is, Arlovski has a claim to contendership. After all, Arlovski already beat Werdum once, at UFC 70 in 2007, so if the Brazilian wins, all the better. He's never met Velasquez, so a former champ vs. reigning champ is an intriguing storyline, too.

Leaning back in his chair, smiling with his victorious Jackson-Winklejohn teammates Donald Cerrone and John Dodson seated next to him, Arlovski is once again questioned about a potential title run. And with his newfound confidence and obvious love for the sport, Arlovski gave -- what under normal circumstances would be considered 'boring' -- a smooth response, followed by a shrug.

"It's totally up to the UFC. I can fight, I can wait, whatever."

Not exactly something you'd expect from "The Pitbull," but then again, nothing about the former champ's resurgence has been predictable.

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