Fedor's arm raised after taking out Pedro Rizzo, just before announcing his retirement from MMA / Photo: MMAOctagon.ru
For the good of his weary body and anxious daughters, the legend Fedor Emelianenko announced his retirement last Friday after knocking out Pedro Rizzo at an M-1 Global event in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
However, when interviewed by the Inside MMA television program, the Russian myth didn’t discard a possible heavyweight fight down the road. He seems to predict that soon enough he’ll be getting that itch to put on his gloves, that keeping away from training altogether will be impossible—something typical of those who have the heart of a fighter.
“I’m not promising [a return]; anything can happen. The truth is, I know I’ll be asked if I plan to come back a lot, but the pressure doesn’t bother me,” said the fighter, who is tipped for a possible marquee fight with pro-wrestling giant Brock Lesnar, a former UFC champ who has also recently retired.
“I feel that, with time, people will come to accept my decision. The fans shouldn’t be disappointed with my decision to stop. I thank everyone who supported me. Today, I’ll say my time has come, because I have daughters growing up and I’m not around to see them. For a father who always puts his family first, that is hard to accept. Truth is, I’d like for Russia to produce new MMA stars,” he added.
A star of the Russian art of sambo, Fedor has had 39 fights, 34 wins and 16 submissions. Check out some of our favorite submissions from the most terrifying chubby guy in the world.
What about you, are you rooting for an MMA comeback from Fedor? Has he still got the right stuff or is his time truly up?
1. Fedor Emelianenko catches Tim Sylvia in one-handed choke – Affliction, 2008
2. Fedor Emelianenko submits Kevin Randleman with Kimura – Pride, 2004
3. Fedor Emelianenko catches Mark Coleman’s arm for tapout – Pride, 2004
4. Fedor Emelianenko takes out Matt Lindland – Bodog, 2007
5. Fedor Emelianenko chokes out Lee Hasdell – Rings, 2001
6. Fedor Emelianenko catches Chrobak Camil in armbar from mount – Sambo, 2008
Now which is your favorite submission from Fedor’s illustrious career? Post the link below.
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For me the best is versus Sylvia.
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I think this fighter will remain one of the best in the world.