Legendary mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Fedor Emelianenko Sunday night at American Inglewood, he fought his last fight of his career. Unfortunately, the 46-year-old Russian lost to Bellator USA Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader by first-round TKO.
The fight itself lasted two and a half minutes, and during this time, it must be admitted, Emelianenko Sr. had no chance to count on victory. But after stopping the duel, the Last Emperor wiped away the blood and a smile appeared on his face.
“On the one hand, I’m upset that I can’t please the fans. But I’m glad they cheered me on, I’m glad the fighters who have walked this path with me have gathered here. Thank you very much. Yes, I’ll be with the team, with the guys. I’m done, thank you all,” Emelianenko said as he put on his gloves in the center of the octagon.
And at that time famous fighters from the past were in the cage, who had the honor of fighting with Fedor Emelianenko. They are Mark Coleman, Dan Henderson, Quinton Jackson, Chael Sonnen, Randy Couture, Renzo Gracie, Royce Gracie, Matt Hughes, Chuck Liddell and Frank Shamrock. And about their joint photo, the caption is perfect: “The caption of this photo turns around.”
It was on such threads that Fedor Emelianenko in a conversation with drew attention to the teammate and training partner of the last emperor Kirill Sidelnikov .
In total, Emelianenko, 46, has 40 wins and seven losses in MMA, Bader, 39, has 31 wins and seven losses. The Last Emperor has already met Bader – in 2019 the fight also ended with the victory of the American in the first round.
“I wanted Fedor to win,” started a conversation with Sidelnikov on . — But I take a positive view of this situation overall. I would like to say a big thank you to Fedor for his participation not only in my life, but also in many athletes. He has done a lot. It was very cool! How many people were brought to martial arts by Fedor!
Separately, I would like to acknowledge Bellator’s leadership for such a great send-off to Emelianenko. Immediately after the fight, it was nice to see titled fighters accepting him into their ranks as retired athletes. It was really beautiful. You can shoot a Hollywood movie about Fedor’s sports life.
And as for the result… It must be treated with understanding. At 46, Fedor dated the champion of one of the best leagues in the world.
But I was almost moved to tears as the fighters entered the cage after the Fedor fight. These are the men, the legends, whom I watched in my youth … And now Fedor is next to them. It was the best moment. And the defeat… There is no very strong disappointment, for me slightly different moments were important.
– And these other moments – what did you just enumerate?
– Well yes. Humans who affect me more. If Fedor ended his career with a victory, it would be much cooler. But thanks to Fedor for what he was, is and will be. I am very happy to know him personally. The sports legend is gone.
Big thanks to Bellator for bringing these guys together. They all come from the UFC, but nobody in the UFC has ever left like that. And now it was very beautiful.
I also want to address the detractors. Yes, Fedor is not young, he is 46 years old. Many people cannot lift their ass off the couch at this age, and Fedor went into battle at the highest level.
Fedor does not leave the sport, he remains the president of the MMA Union of Russia. He will continue to work with young people. Thank him for that.
– Do you expect negative comments after this fight?
– Certainly. Not everyone understands the nuances. This fight must be approached differently: “We expected, but you did not live up to expectations.” I treat differently. I enjoyed following his career. Yes, Fedor lost now, but you always remember his worthy career.
Fedor will occupy a worthy place in the Hall of Fame of such athletes as Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan. These are the athletes who are cooler than the UFC Hall of Fame. Fedor is a level above. These are the biggest stars and athletes who have not only achieved great results in their lives, but also influenced the public.
– In conclusion, a question about Valentin Moldavsky. In case of revenge with Bader, will Moldavsky win? Their fight in early 2022 ended in a controversial win for Bader.
– I think Moldavsky will win. I don’t want that to sound like an excuse. Prior to this fight, there were many contributing factors. This concerns the condition of Valentin. The same has happened now with Anatoly (Tokov in a losing fight with Bellator middleweight champion American Johnny Eblin). Tolya went into battle ready for 10% of his health at 100%. It was impossible to refuse the fight, although, probably, it still had to be done. And it’s very embarrassing. Valentine had the same at that time. It is clearly too late to talk about it. And someone can say that it was necessary to act in this case. But you understand that they might not have such a second chance.
Anatoly himself will tell everything. Tolya’s state of health was, to say the least, unfavorable. And that Tolya fought five rounds … And for me, who knows his condition, that’s very cool. Tolya will restore her health and everything will be fine. Valentin went to the duel two days before falling ill. It’s a fact, I know it. And Valentin showed such a duel, the result of which was actively discussed. If Valentin comes out fully prepared, then Bader will stand little chance.
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Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
