Arlovski to Train with Jackson’s Academy

Andrei Arlovski is set to visit Greg Jackson’s MMA Academy in Albuquerque, N.M., for a 10-day training camp in the coming weeks.

The former UFC heavyweight champion will be joined by his jiu-jitsu instructor Dino Costeas and will continue his primary training under the Team Pitbull moniker out of Chicago. However, the former sambo champion is hoping to pick up some new skills from Jackson, his staff and his formidable stable of athletes to rebound from back-to-back knockout losses.

Jackson said Arlovski is likely to clock in gym time with UFC regulars Keith Jardine and former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, as well as heavyweights like “The Ultimate Fighter 10” participants Brendan Schaub and James McSweeney.

“We’re super excited having an athlete as high-level as Andrei coming down to work with us,” said Jackson. “We’re hoping that we can help each other out and make it a situation that’s mutually beneficial. Everybody’s really excited about having him come work with the team."

Arlovski, 30, fought 15 times in the UFC between 2000-2008 and went 11-4 for the promotion. He earned key victories against Vladimir Matyushenko, Tim Sylvia, Paul Buentello, Marcio Cruz and Fabricio Werdum. His only losses in the Octagon came to Pedro Rizzo, Ricco Rodriguez and Sylvia (twice).

The road has been winding for Arlovski since he left the UFC in mid 2008.

The Belarusian, who’s sharpened his fast hands and footwork with Mike Garcia and most recently Freddie Roach, was victorious in his debut for Affliction in July 2008, as he knocked out Ben Rothwell in impressive fashion.

Arlovski bolstered his stock with a second-round knockout over former IFL champion Roy Nelson the following October when he was loaned out to EliteXC for a bout that aired on CBS.

The victory, Arlovski’s fifth in a row, set up a showdown with No. 1 ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko.

Though he fared well in the early going, Arlovski was knocked out by Emelianenko as he rushed in with a dicey flying knee late in the first frame.

Arlovski was stunned by heavyweight upstart Brett Rogers with a trio of punches in 22 seconds at Strikeforce “Lawler vs. Shields” on June 6 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

Arlovski is currently in negotiations for his next bout and plans a return in December or January.