Final Bout for 'The Last Emperor': Russian MMA Giant Readies for His Ultimate Fight
A significant chapter comes to a close on February 4 as Fedor Emelianenko faces Ryan Bader for the heavyweight world title at Bellator 290. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The spotlight will shine brightly this weekend as Fedor Emelianenko steps into the cage for the last time at Bellator 290, marking the end of one of the most celebrated careers in mixed martial arts.
On Saturday night in California, the MMA community will bid farewell to Emelianenko, who is often hailed as one of the greatest fighters in history. It is fitting that his final bout will be for the heavyweight world title against American rival Ryan Bader, offering him an opportunity to rectify a past loss to Bader.
Regardless of the outcome, Emelianenko’s status as a revered figure in the sport is already firmly established, thanks to over 20 years of competition.
Remaining undefeated for nearly ten years during his prime, the 46-year-old Russian has built a legendary reputation among fans and fellow fighters alike, and he has delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in MMA history.
Although Russia has produced several megastars in organizations such as the UFC and Bellator, Emelianenko carved his path as the country’s first true MMA icon.
**EARLY YEARS**
Born in 1976 in Rubizhne, Lugansk, Emelianenko grew up in a working-class household with a father who was a welder and a mother who was a teacher in the Belgorod region of western Russia.
He began training in Sambo and judo around the age of 11. His former instructor, Vladimir Voronov, described him as a hard worker, though not a standout pupil.
After serving in the Russian Army from 1995-1997, Emelianenko earned Master of Sports certification and represented the Russian national team before embarking on a professional MMA career.
Making his debut under the ‘Rings’ promotion, Emelianenko impressively submitted Bulgarian fighter Martin Lazarov via guillotine choke in the first round in 2000. This victory launched him into an impressive start, making him 4-0. However, he faced a controversial first setback when he lost to Tsuyoshi Kohsaka in Osaka due to a doctor stoppage just 17 seconds into the match.
**‘THIS GUY’S NOT HUMAN’**
It would take a decade for Emelianenko to taste defeat again as he embarked on an unbeaten run that lasted from April 2001 to June 2010, a period that has become legendary within MMA circles.
He submitted or knocked out numerous opponents in the first round, with his 28-fight unbeaten streak including victories over four former UFC champions, a Pride FC champion, multiple K-1 champions, and two Olympic medalists.
In 2002, Emelianenko joined the Japanese-based Pride Fighting Championships after winning the Rings ‘King of Kings’ tournament, quickly climbing into title contention. In a major upset, he took on Brazilian Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in 2003 at Pride 25 and emerged victorious, neutralizing Nogueira’s threats before securing a unanimous decision win. This victory earned Emelianenko his place as the second heavyweight champion in Pride history.
Fedor himself has stated that his fight with Nogueira, which ended the Brazilian's 14-fight unbeaten streak, remains his favorite. “I had to activate my fighting IQ and find keys to victory. At that time, he was the best fighter in the world,” he reflected.
Following this, Emelianenko captured a Heavyweight Grand Prix title and avenged his earlier loss to Kohsaka. He also participated in what many consider MMA’s ‘Fight of the Decade’ against Croatian star Mirko Cro Cop in August 2005, winning despite suffering a broken nose.
Emelianenko never lost his Pride heavyweight title, defending it successfully for the last time against Mark Hunt on New Year’s Eve in 2006. He continued to impress, defeating South Korean fighter Hong-man Choi and even showcasing skill against the significant size difference between them.
In 2007, he negotiated a special clause in his contract that allowed him to fight under different promotions as long as the events occurred in Russia. He defeated Matt Lindland in St. Petersburg, then claimed the inaugural World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts heavyweight championship with a remarkable submission victory over Tim Sylvia just 36 seconds into their match in July 2008 at ‘Affliction: Banned’.
“I know that I’m one of the best in the world, I was amazed at how good Fedor is,” said a stunned Sylvia. “He hurt me right away and submitted me. The guy’s a stud. I don’t even think he’s human. That guy hits hard. I’ve never been hit that hard before.”
By this time, Emelianenko had become a true sports star in Russia, often appearing alongside high-profile figures including Vladimir Putin.
**UFC AND THE DEAL THAT NEVER WAS**
One lingering question around Emelianenko’s career is why he never signed with the UFC, which has become the pinnacle promotion for elite fighters. Although no deal was finalized, there were moments of contact between the two parties.
In 2010, UFC president Dana White expressed his determination to sign Emelianenko. “I want it worse than the fans want it,” White said, emphasizing his desire to have the Russian in the promotion.
White attempted to facilitate a matchup between Emelianenko and UFC superstar Brock Lesnar but blamed members of Emelianenko’s entourage for preventing a deal, suggesting they felt “too cool, too slick and too f**king funny” to negotiate effectively.
Numerous reports suggested that the deal could have been worth as much as $2 million per fight, but White refused to agree to co-promote with M-1 Global, led by Vadim Finkelchtein. Instead, White mocked Finkelchtein’s demands, claiming they were responsible for “the biggest f**k-up in the history of all sports,” while Finkelchtein asserted that White had dismissed Emelianenko’s desire to participate in combat Sambo, which he deemed “very important.”
**THE DEFEAT THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD**
White warned Emelianenko that he was “one punch away from being worth zero.” While this did not come to fruition, it served as a portent of the challenges that lay ahead.
After signing a three-year agreement with Showtime to compete for Strikeforce, Emelianenko faced Brazilian Fabrício Werdum in June 2010, marking his first loss in more than a decade in what would be seen as one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.
This defeat was followed by two more losses, leading to a more introspective Emelianenko, who reflected on his changing circumstances: “Yes, I've lost my last fights, but every time there were definite reasons for that. Some changes in my family took place at that time and they affected my performance. Certainly, there were mistakes in my preparations.”
“In the three bouts I lost, I felt like I could’ve won. But the win somehow eluded me. I felt I could do it. I had chances, but God’s will was different,” he stated, emphasizing his deep faith.
Emelianenko’s character is underscored by his calm demeanor, contrasting sharply with the ferocity he exhibits in the octagon. This humility has endeared him to many fans, even giving rise to a certain mystique around his famously garish sweater worn during press events.
Although he is a devoted family man, Emelianenko’s relationship with his brother Aleksandr, also a fighter, has deteriorated due to public disagreements. Fedor remarked in 2021 on their rift: “The only person who could say the opposite point of view to Aleksandr in his eyes was me. It was a kind of conscience he had.”
“The rift happened a long time ago... apparently, he got tired of it and broke off the relationship.”
**IN AND OUT OF RETIREMENT**
Following speculation about his retirement and a disappointing run of defeats, Emelianenko returned to competition in November 2011, achieving three victories in quick succession. However, after a win over Pedro Rizzo in mid-2012, he stepped away from MMA.
Dana White was once again hopeful of signing Emelianenko, but negotiations failed. This time, White spoke more respectfully, acknowledging Emelianenko as “one of the greatest heavyweights ever.”
Despite this, Emelianenko shocked the MMA community in July 2015 when he announced, “I feel that it is time to return.”
Amid rumors of potential deals with the UFC, he ultimately surprised fans by signing with Rizin, an organization run by former Pride FC head Nobuyuki Sakakibara. After attributing the breakdown of negotiations with the UFC to a “draconian and oppressive” contract, Emelianenko stated, “I’m not ready to sign such an enslaving contract. First of all, they should show respect for the fighters – the kind of respect I receive in Japan.”
He then went on to win five consecutive fights, including a comeback victory against Jaideep Singh and a decision win over Gabriel Maldonado in what proved to be a grueling matchup in the summer of 2016.
**AT HOME WITH BELLATOR**
In another shift in his career, Emelianenko joined Bellator in November 2016 during a WWE-style announcement. He expressed his excitement about competing in the organization, stating, “I’m happy to be fighting in Bellator."
Although his debut resulted in a first-round TKO loss to Matt Mitrione, he achieved two early finishes against Frank Mir and Chael Sonnen in the Heavyweight World Grand Prix in 2018, progressing to compete against Bader in January 2019, where he intends to seek redemption this weekend.
Emelianenko's prowess in the ring continued as he scored a TKO victory over Quinton Jackson in December 2019 and last fought in October 2021, defeating Timothy Johnson in an emotionally charged homecoming in Moscow. “It’s a huge event for us,” Emelianenko remarked about the significance of fighting in his homeland.
While there were aspirations to hold his retirement fight in Moscow’s Red Square, those plans had to be abandoned due to the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, will serve as the setting for Emelianenko’s final opportunity for glory against Bader this weekend.
**MMA BIDS FAREWELL TO A LEGEND**
Post-retirement, Emelianenko will remain a significant figure in MMA, mentoring Russian light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov and leading the Russian MMA Federation, underscoring his lasting impact on the sport.
Even if Emelianenko does not secure a victory against Bader, his legacy as one of the sport's greats is already assured.
Throughout his career, he has bested legends such as Antonio Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, and Heath Herring, inspiring a new generation of fighters.
“When you talk about heavyweights, Fedor’s body of work has been amazing. Pound for pound, or in the legacy of what he’s done, I haven’t seen anybody out there who’s done more,” remarked Bellator president Scott Coker ahead of Emelianenko’s farewell fight.
Despite debates regarding Emelianenko's potential ability to compete against the elite in the UFC during the late 2000s, many influential figures maintain that he is the greatest MMA heavyweight of all time. Sports Illustrated and various other major outlets have even recognized him as the best fighter of the 2000s.
“Fedor is the greatest, no doubt,” said former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos. “For me, in a matter of admiration, he is the greatest of all time. He is a heavyweight who beat everybody. He certainly was ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet.’”
Praise also comes from boxing legend Mike Tyson, who remarked in 2012: “Fedor Emelianenko, my favorite of all time... He’s always been the underdog... and he always comes out victorious.”
**‘BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE’**
With questions surrounding whether this will be his final fight, Emelianenko remains steadfast in his resolve. “No,” he firmly stated when asked if he might fight again after Saturday. “Family is first. They’ve been waiting for me for a very long time.”
He also expressed contentment with his journey in MMA: “Whatever God gave me, I was very happy with it. You don't have to think about things that never happen. You have to live in the moment and be happy with what you have.”
Fans of the sport will certainly be grateful for Fedor Emelianenko's contributions over more than two decades and look forward to savoring one last chance to witness ‘The Last Emperor’ in action this Saturday night.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Saturday night in California, the MMA community will bid farewell to Emelianenko, who is often hailed as one of the greatest fighters in history. It is fitting that his final bout will be for the heavyweight world title against American rival Ryan Bader, offering him an opportunity to rectify a past loss to Bader.
Regardless of the outcome, Emelianenko’s status as a revered figure in the sport is already firmly established, thanks to over 20 years of competition.
Remaining undefeated for nearly ten years during his prime, the 46-year-old Russian has built a legendary reputation among fans and fellow fighters alike, and he has delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in MMA history.
Although Russia has produced several megastars in organizations such as the UFC and Bellator, Emelianenko carved his path as the country’s first true MMA icon.
**EARLY YEARS**
Born in 1976 in Rubizhne, Lugansk, Emelianenko grew up in a working-class household with a father who was a welder and a mother who was a teacher in the Belgorod region of western Russia.
He began training in Sambo and judo around the age of 11. His former instructor, Vladimir Voronov, described him as a hard worker, though not a standout pupil.
After serving in the Russian Army from 1995-1997, Emelianenko earned Master of Sports certification and represented the Russian national team before embarking on a professional MMA career.
Making his debut under the ‘Rings’ promotion, Emelianenko impressively submitted Bulgarian fighter Martin Lazarov via guillotine choke in the first round in 2000. This victory launched him into an impressive start, making him 4-0. However, he faced a controversial first setback when he lost to Tsuyoshi Kohsaka in Osaka due to a doctor stoppage just 17 seconds into the match.
**‘THIS GUY’S NOT HUMAN’**
It would take a decade for Emelianenko to taste defeat again as he embarked on an unbeaten run that lasted from April 2001 to June 2010, a period that has become legendary within MMA circles.
He submitted or knocked out numerous opponents in the first round, with his 28-fight unbeaten streak including victories over four former UFC champions, a Pride FC champion, multiple K-1 champions, and two Olympic medalists.
In 2002, Emelianenko joined the Japanese-based Pride Fighting Championships after winning the Rings ‘King of Kings’ tournament, quickly climbing into title contention. In a major upset, he took on Brazilian Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in 2003 at Pride 25 and emerged victorious, neutralizing Nogueira’s threats before securing a unanimous decision win. This victory earned Emelianenko his place as the second heavyweight champion in Pride history.
Fedor himself has stated that his fight with Nogueira, which ended the Brazilian's 14-fight unbeaten streak, remains his favorite. “I had to activate my fighting IQ and find keys to victory. At that time, he was the best fighter in the world,” he reflected.
Following this, Emelianenko captured a Heavyweight Grand Prix title and avenged his earlier loss to Kohsaka. He also participated in what many consider MMA’s ‘Fight of the Decade’ against Croatian star Mirko Cro Cop in August 2005, winning despite suffering a broken nose.
Emelianenko never lost his Pride heavyweight title, defending it successfully for the last time against Mark Hunt on New Year’s Eve in 2006. He continued to impress, defeating South Korean fighter Hong-man Choi and even showcasing skill against the significant size difference between them.
In 2007, he negotiated a special clause in his contract that allowed him to fight under different promotions as long as the events occurred in Russia. He defeated Matt Lindland in St. Petersburg, then claimed the inaugural World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts heavyweight championship with a remarkable submission victory over Tim Sylvia just 36 seconds into their match in July 2008 at ‘Affliction: Banned’.
“I know that I’m one of the best in the world, I was amazed at how good Fedor is,” said a stunned Sylvia. “He hurt me right away and submitted me. The guy’s a stud. I don’t even think he’s human. That guy hits hard. I’ve never been hit that hard before.”
By this time, Emelianenko had become a true sports star in Russia, often appearing alongside high-profile figures including Vladimir Putin.
**UFC AND THE DEAL THAT NEVER WAS**
One lingering question around Emelianenko’s career is why he never signed with the UFC, which has become the pinnacle promotion for elite fighters. Although no deal was finalized, there were moments of contact between the two parties.
In 2010, UFC president Dana White expressed his determination to sign Emelianenko. “I want it worse than the fans want it,” White said, emphasizing his desire to have the Russian in the promotion.
White attempted to facilitate a matchup between Emelianenko and UFC superstar Brock Lesnar but blamed members of Emelianenko’s entourage for preventing a deal, suggesting they felt “too cool, too slick and too f**king funny” to negotiate effectively.
Numerous reports suggested that the deal could have been worth as much as $2 million per fight, but White refused to agree to co-promote with M-1 Global, led by Vadim Finkelchtein. Instead, White mocked Finkelchtein’s demands, claiming they were responsible for “the biggest f**k-up in the history of all sports,” while Finkelchtein asserted that White had dismissed Emelianenko’s desire to participate in combat Sambo, which he deemed “very important.”
**THE DEFEAT THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD**
White warned Emelianenko that he was “one punch away from being worth zero.” While this did not come to fruition, it served as a portent of the challenges that lay ahead.
After signing a three-year agreement with Showtime to compete for Strikeforce, Emelianenko faced Brazilian Fabrício Werdum in June 2010, marking his first loss in more than a decade in what would be seen as one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.
This defeat was followed by two more losses, leading to a more introspective Emelianenko, who reflected on his changing circumstances: “Yes, I've lost my last fights, but every time there were definite reasons for that. Some changes in my family took place at that time and they affected my performance. Certainly, there were mistakes in my preparations.”
“In the three bouts I lost, I felt like I could’ve won. But the win somehow eluded me. I felt I could do it. I had chances, but God’s will was different,” he stated, emphasizing his deep faith.
Emelianenko’s character is underscored by his calm demeanor, contrasting sharply with the ferocity he exhibits in the octagon. This humility has endeared him to many fans, even giving rise to a certain mystique around his famously garish sweater worn during press events.
Although he is a devoted family man, Emelianenko’s relationship with his brother Aleksandr, also a fighter, has deteriorated due to public disagreements. Fedor remarked in 2021 on their rift: “The only person who could say the opposite point of view to Aleksandr in his eyes was me. It was a kind of conscience he had.”
“The rift happened a long time ago... apparently, he got tired of it and broke off the relationship.”
**IN AND OUT OF RETIREMENT**
Following speculation about his retirement and a disappointing run of defeats, Emelianenko returned to competition in November 2011, achieving three victories in quick succession. However, after a win over Pedro Rizzo in mid-2012, he stepped away from MMA.
Dana White was once again hopeful of signing Emelianenko, but negotiations failed. This time, White spoke more respectfully, acknowledging Emelianenko as “one of the greatest heavyweights ever.”
Despite this, Emelianenko shocked the MMA community in July 2015 when he announced, “I feel that it is time to return.”
Amid rumors of potential deals with the UFC, he ultimately surprised fans by signing with Rizin, an organization run by former Pride FC head Nobuyuki Sakakibara. After attributing the breakdown of negotiations with the UFC to a “draconian and oppressive” contract, Emelianenko stated, “I’m not ready to sign such an enslaving contract. First of all, they should show respect for the fighters – the kind of respect I receive in Japan.”
He then went on to win five consecutive fights, including a comeback victory against Jaideep Singh and a decision win over Gabriel Maldonado in what proved to be a grueling matchup in the summer of 2016.
**AT HOME WITH BELLATOR**
In another shift in his career, Emelianenko joined Bellator in November 2016 during a WWE-style announcement. He expressed his excitement about competing in the organization, stating, “I’m happy to be fighting in Bellator."
Although his debut resulted in a first-round TKO loss to Matt Mitrione, he achieved two early finishes against Frank Mir and Chael Sonnen in the Heavyweight World Grand Prix in 2018, progressing to compete against Bader in January 2019, where he intends to seek redemption this weekend.
Emelianenko's prowess in the ring continued as he scored a TKO victory over Quinton Jackson in December 2019 and last fought in October 2021, defeating Timothy Johnson in an emotionally charged homecoming in Moscow. “It’s a huge event for us,” Emelianenko remarked about the significance of fighting in his homeland.
While there were aspirations to hold his retirement fight in Moscow’s Red Square, those plans had to be abandoned due to the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, will serve as the setting for Emelianenko’s final opportunity for glory against Bader this weekend.
**MMA BIDS FAREWELL TO A LEGEND**
Post-retirement, Emelianenko will remain a significant figure in MMA, mentoring Russian light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov and leading the Russian MMA Federation, underscoring his lasting impact on the sport.
Even if Emelianenko does not secure a victory against Bader, his legacy as one of the sport's greats is already assured.
Throughout his career, he has bested legends such as Antonio Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, and Heath Herring, inspiring a new generation of fighters.
“When you talk about heavyweights, Fedor’s body of work has been amazing. Pound for pound, or in the legacy of what he’s done, I haven’t seen anybody out there who’s done more,” remarked Bellator president Scott Coker ahead of Emelianenko’s farewell fight.
Despite debates regarding Emelianenko's potential ability to compete against the elite in the UFC during the late 2000s, many influential figures maintain that he is the greatest MMA heavyweight of all time. Sports Illustrated and various other major outlets have even recognized him as the best fighter of the 2000s.
“Fedor is the greatest, no doubt,” said former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos. “For me, in a matter of admiration, he is the greatest of all time. He is a heavyweight who beat everybody. He certainly was ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet.’”
Praise also comes from boxing legend Mike Tyson, who remarked in 2012: “Fedor Emelianenko, my favorite of all time... He’s always been the underdog... and he always comes out victorious.”
**‘BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE’**
With questions surrounding whether this will be his final fight, Emelianenko remains steadfast in his resolve. “No,” he firmly stated when asked if he might fight again after Saturday. “Family is first. They’ve been waiting for me for a very long time.”
He also expressed contentment with his journey in MMA: “Whatever God gave me, I was very happy with it. You don't have to think about things that never happen. You have to live in the moment and be happy with what you have.”
Fans of the sport will certainly be grateful for Fedor Emelianenko's contributions over more than two decades and look forward to savoring one last chance to witness ‘The Last Emperor’ in action this Saturday night.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
