Vadim Finkelstein. Many are aware of the name behind M-1, and consensus top heavyweight in the world, Fedor Emelianenko, but little is known about the man behind the Russian-based global MMA company and promotion.

Finkelstein comes, as many successful businessmen, from humble beginnings. The self-made entrepreneur started working steady at age 14 to support himself and help his family. At 21, he started his first business, a cooperative store called "Aroma". It was a fruit and vegetable business which took in deliveries from Uzbekistan.

The company was successful, growing to 15 stores by 1992 when Finkelstein started another company called "Myasopttorg." This company imported Dutch meat from Gala Groep, and left Finkelstein with enough capital to start M-1 five years later in St. Petersburg.

Over the years, the promotion has hosted a number of high level MMA fighters such as Gilbert Yvel, Aleksander Emelianenko, Anderson Silva, Dennis Kang, Alistair Overeem and many others.

Finklestein eventually parlayed the success of M-1 into "M-1 Global" and "M-1 Challenge," which were both set up in 2008. M-1 Global has held three major events in the U.S. in co-promotion with Affliction, and now Strikeforce and CBS, and looks forward to continue its presence on the United States MMA scene for years to come.

M-1 Challenge is an international "team" tournament with each team representing a different country, fighting not only for themselves, but also for national pride. The tournament has 16 teams slated for their upcoming season.

With several burgeoning MMA projects in tow, and the career of MMA's greatest heavyweight fighter in his hands, Mr. Finkelstein was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to sit down with FiveKnuckles.com to discuss his life, aspirations, and of course, Fedor Emelianenko.

FiveKnuckles.com: How did you become involved in MMA? Were you ever a fighter yourself?

Vadim Finkelstein: I've never been a fighter myself. I've done this before a little, but not professionally. I just came to event once, and I loved it. So I decided to bring them to Russia.

FiveKnuckles.com: What are some of your interests outside of MMA?

Vadim Finkelstein: I love active recreation, driving the quadrocycle and snowmobile. I also like to cook, although I don't do it that often, but I like to cook for my friends.

FiveKnuckles.com: How did you come to meet Fedor Emelianenko?

Vadim Finkelstein: I called him in 2003, we set up a meeting. I made him an offer to co-operate, he agreed, and since that time we started to work together.

FiveKnuckles.com: When you first met Fedor, did you know he would become the great champion he is today? If not, when did you know that he would reach such fantastic heights in the sport of MMA?

Vadim Finkelstein: When I first met him he was already rather famous. Of course I could not foresee everything but I saw how talented he was, that would have a great future in sport.

FiveKnuckles.com: Many American fans are getting their first look at Fedor Emelianenko from his last fight against Brett Rogers, and there are many questions about his personal attitude and nature. What is Fedor like on a personal level from your perspective?

Vadim Finkelstein: Fedor is a man with iron willpower. He has very strong heart. Well-mannered, a committed Christian. Fedor has its own principles he never abandons. He doesn't let himself relax, never gives in. I think that this is his strongest trait...