Jump to content

Fedor Emelianenko

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In this name that follows Eastern Slavic naming customs, the patronymic is Vladimirovich and the family name is Emelianenko.
Fedor Emelianenko
Emelianenko in 2015
Born (1976-09-28) 28 September 1976 (age 48)
Rubizhne, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
Native nameФёдор Владимирович Емельяненко
Other namesThe Last Emperor
ResidenceStary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia
NationalityRussian[1]
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight237 lb (108 kg; 16 st 13 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Reach74[2] in (188 cm)
StyleCombat Sambo, Judo
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofStary Oskol, Belgorod, Russia
TeamFedorTeam (2015–present)
Red Devil Sport Club/Alexander Nevsky OAMK[3] (2003–2012)
Russian Top Team (2000–2003)
Teacher(s)Volk Han
Andrei Kopylov
TrainerJudo, Sambo: Vladimir Voronov
Boxing: Alexander Michkov
Muay Thai: Peter Teijsse
Kickboxing: Ernesto Hoost[4]
RankMerited Master of Sport of Russia in Sambo
Black belt in Judo[5]
Years active2000–2012, 2015–2023 (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total48
Wins40
By knockout16
By submission15
By decision9
Losses7
By knockout6
By submission1
No contests1
Other information
OccupationCouncil of Physical Fitness & Sports (2012–present)
Russian MMA Union (president; 2012–present)
Belgorod Regional Duma (deputy; 2010–present)
M-1 Global (co-owner; 2007–present)
Russian Ground Forces (tank division; 1995–1997)
UniversityBelgorod State University (department of physical education; g. 2008)
Spouse
Oksana
​
​
(m. 1999; div. 2006)​
​
​
(m. 2014)​
Marina
​
​
(m. 2009; div. 2013)​
[6]
Children3
Notable relativesAlexander Emelianenko (brother)
Notable studentsVadim Nemkov
Viktor Nemkov
Valentin Moldavsky
Maxim Grishin
Notable club(s)Champions for Peace (2011–present)[7]
Websitefedoremelianenko.tv
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Fedor Emelianenko
Medal record
Representing  Russia
Men's Combat Sambo
World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2008 St. Petersburg +100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2007 Prague +100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2005 Prague +100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2002 Panama City +100 kg
World Combat Sambo Federation
Gold medal – first place 2002 Thessaloniki +100 kg
European Championships
Gold medal – first place 1999 Istanbul +100 kg
Russian Championships
Gold medal – first place 2012 Moscow +100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2009 Kstovo +100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2008 St. Petersburg +100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2007 Ulan-Ude +100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2005 Kstovo +100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2002 Moscow +100 kg
Bronze medal – third place 2000 Orenburg +100 kg
Bronze medal – third place 1998 Kaliningrad +100 kg
Men's Judo
Russian Championships
Bronze medal – third place 1999 Kstovo Open
Bronze medal – third place 1998 Kstovo -100 kg

Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko[a] (born 28 September 1976) is a Russian former professional mixed martial artist (MMA), sambist, and judoka and politician. Emelianenko was the PRIDE Heavyweight Champion from 2003 to the organisation's closure in 2007, a four-time combat sambo world champion, a seven-time combat sambo national champion, and two-time Russian national judo bronze medalist, among other championships and accolades. He also competed in RINGS, Strikeforce, M-1 Global, Rizin, and Bellator MMA, and is regarded as the most prominent fighter never to compete in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).[9] Emelianenko is widely considered to be one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, consistently ranked as the top heavyweight fighter from 2003 until 2010, and the best fighter of the 2000s.[10][11][12][13] Emelianenko's career helped popularize the sport of MMA in his home country of Russia after gaining attention in Japan, South Korea, the United States, and worldwide.[14][15][16][17][18][19][20]

Emelianenko began his MMA career on May 21, 2000, compiling four straight victories before a controversial loss in December 2000. Emelianenko was unbeaten in his next 28 fights up until June 2010, including wins over four former UFC champions, one PRIDE champion, one former and two future K-1 champions, one Pancrase champion, and two Olympic medalists. He originally retired in June 2012 before making his return in December 2015. Emelianenko retired for the second and final time on February 4, 2023, with a record of 40 wins, 7 losses, and 1 no contest.

Emelianenko began his political career in 2010, being elected as a deputy of the Belgorod Regional Duma.[21] He subsequently became president of the Russian MMA Union (later honorary president and chairman of the supervisory board), and a staff member of Russia's Council of Physical Fitness & Sports.[22][23][24][25]

Early life

Emelianenko was born in 1976 in the city of Rubizhne, Luhansk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union.[26] In 1978, when he was two, his family moved within the Soviet Union to Stary Oskol, Belgorod of the Russian SFSR.[27] His mother, Olga Fedorovna, was a teacher, and his father, Vladimir Alexandrovich, was a welder.[27]

At age 11, Emelianenko began to practice sambo and judo under the tutelage of Vasily Ivanovich Gavrilov.[28] A year later, he was admitted to sport classes taught by Vladimir Voronov, a coach who worked with him. According to Voronov, Emelianenko did not stand out from his peers initially but would achieve future success thanks to his own perseverance and hard work for many years.[29] Voronov died in August 2020 due to complications caused by coronavirus.[30]

Emelianenko finished high school in 1991 and graduated with honors from a professional trade school as an electrician in 1994. From 1995–97, he served in the Russian Army as a military firefighter and then as a member of the tank division near Nizhny Novgorod.[31] His parents divorced during this time.[32]

In 1997, Emelianenko received the certification of "Master of Sport" in judo and sambo. He also became part of the Russian national team.[33][34] Emelianenko's partial record in judo was 12 wins and 7 losses in 1999-2000.[35]

In 2000, due to a lack of money, Emelianenko left the Russian national team and began to compete professionally in mixed martial arts.[33][34]

Mixed martial arts career

Club affiliation

Emelianenko began his mixed martial arts as a member of Russian Top Team (RTT),[36][37] a stable linked to Fighting Network RINGS where he trained under senior members like Volk Han and Andrei Kopylov. After his bout with Gary Goodridge, the Emelianenko brothers left Russian Top Team and began to train in St. Petersburg with Red Devil Sport Club, managed by Vadim Finkelchtein.[37] Finkelchtein would remain his manager up until his first retirement in mid 2012. Emelianenko is also a member of the VOS gym in the Netherlands, where he trains with Johan Vos and Lucien Carbin. [citation needed] Emelianenko has trained with the likes of Ernesto Hoost, Tyrone Spong, and Denis Lebedev.[38][39][40]

RINGS

Emelianenko suffered his first loss in a controversial bout against Tsuyoshi Kohsaka at the King of Kings 2000 Block B event on 22 December 2000, via doctor stoppage due to a cut 17 seconds into the fight.[41] Footage shows that the cut was caused by a missed looping punch where Kohsaka's elbow struck Emelianenko's head. Emelianenko said that this elbow reopened a cut sustained in his previous fight against Ricardo Arona.[42] The controversy surrounding the loss was due to the fact elbow strikes were illegal for the event.

After defeating Renato Sobral in an elimination bout, Emelianenko fought for the World Heavyweight Class Championship against Bobby Hoffman the same night. However, Hoffman refused to fight Emelianenko, asserting he had sustained an injury to his shoulder during his previous match, and forfeited. Emelianenko was awarded the win by default and he was given the RINGS Heavyweight Class Championship.[43][44]

PRIDE Fighting Championships

Entering the Pride Fighting Championships on the heels of winning the RINGS King of Kings 2002 tournament, Emelianenko debuted at Pride 21 on 23 June 2002 against the 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), 256 lb (116 kg) Dutch fighter Semmy Schilt, whom he defeated by unanimous decision. His next opponent was heavyweight Heath Herring, in a contest to establish the number-one heavyweight contender.[45] Emelianenko, considered an underdog, dominated Herring with ground-and-pound, winning by doctor-stoppage after the first round.[46]

PRIDE Heavyweight Championship

Emelianenko was then signed to fight heavily favored Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira for Pride's Heavyweight Championship title at Pride 25 on 16 March 2003. Nogueira was coming off wins against Mark Coleman, Heath Herring and an upset comeback victory against Bob Sapp, as well as victory in the RINGS 2000 King of Kings Tournament, in which Emelianenko had participated. Nogueira was considered by many fans to be virtually unbeatable, due to his endurance and submission skills.[37] Emelianenko rocked him early with punches and Nogueira pulled guard. Emelianenko survived Nogueira's guard, considered the most dangerous in MMA and easily defended all of Nogueira's submission attempts, dominating him for 20 minutes with a brutal ground and pound. The judges rendered a unanimous decision and Emelianenko became the second Pride Heavyweight Champion, a title he would never lose.[47]

Three months later Emelianenko embarked on his title defense. His first match was against former IWGP Heavyweight champion, amateur and professional wrestler Kazuyuki Fujita. A heavy favorite, Emelianenko was expected to make quick work of Fujita, but was caught by a right hook that stunned him. Badly hurt, he worked his way to a clinch, but was taken down. With Fujita unable to amount a significant attack, Emelianenko was able to recover. He worked his way up and knocked Fujita down with body kick and a punching combo. He then submitted Fujita at 4:17 in the first round with a rear naked choke.[3][48] Emelianenko reminisced about it in February 2009, "Fujita is the only one who ever hit me right, and he hit hard!".[49]

Next came a one-sided bout against heavy underdog Gary "Big Daddy" Goodridge at Pride Total Elimination 2003.[50] Emelianenko took down Goodridge after wobbling him with standing combinations, then finished him with ground and pound in the first round by referee stoppage. Emelianenko broke his hand in this fight, resulting in surgery.[47] He subsequently reinjured this hand, leading to several postponed bouts.[51] In 2011, Goodridge recalled his fight with Emelianenko; "Fedor hits so hard, I don't remember anything (from the fight). No one has his speed and power combo. He fought for 10 years at the top. He doesn't owe anything else to the sport."[52]

His next fight against New Japan professional wrestler Yuji Nagata at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003 ended the same way, with Emelianenko first knocking Nagata to the ground twice with punches. Emelianenko fought at this event as opposed to Shockwave 2003 on the same day due to a higher fight purse because of the competition between the Japanese television networks screening these events and K-1 Premium Dynamite!! on the same night. Pride then set up an interim title match between Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mirko Cro Cop, which ended with Nogueira winning via second round armbar.[53]

PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight World Grand Prix

A notable match with Coleman's protégé Kevin "The Monster" Randleman followed just two months later at the tournament's second round. Randleman, a two-time Division I NCAA Wrestling Champion for Ohio State University and a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, was coming off an upset win over Mirko Cro Cop, which he ended by knockout. Randleman quickly scored a takedown. As Emelianenko gave his back, Randleman delivered a German suplex, slamming him to the canvas headfirst, a move that would become one of the most replayed highlights in PRIDE's and MMA's history for years to come.[54] Emelianenko, seemingly unfazed, rolled over Randleman a few seconds later, getting top position and forcing him to submit with a kimura armlock 1:33 into the first round.[55]

On 15 August 2004, Emelianenko faced six-time All-Japan Judo Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Naoya Ogawa in the semifinals of the 2004 Grand Prix. After making quick work of Ogawa, winning by armbar, he advanced to face Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira for the second time in his career. Nogueira had won a decision against Emelianenko's former teammate Sergei Kharitonov earlier that night. This match was not only to decide the winner of the 2004 Grand Prix, but to unify the heavyweight championship, as Nogueira was awarded the interim title due to Emelianenko's inability to defend his championship in a timely manner in the previous year.[56] The rematch with Nogueira was very competitive, but the fight was stopped prematurely due to a cut to Emelianenko's head from an accidental head clash while on the ground.[57] A third meeting was thus scheduled for Shockwave 2004, which Emelianenko won. On the line was PRIDE's Heavyweight Championship, and PRIDE's 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix title, as the final match of the tournament earlier that year was declared a no contest due to an accidental headbutt.[37] Emelianenko this time chose not to engage Nogueira on the ground, in spite of having dominated him there in their first match. He overpowered the Brazilian on his feet in the first round, beating him to the punch for the first nine minutes.[57] Nogueira faced great difficulty, getting dropped with punches and tossed to the mat multiple times by Judo throws. He was not able to implement his game plan of putting Emelianenko on his back, save for the final 30 seconds of the first round. He was not able to pull guard for any considerable time.[58] During the second and third rounds, Emelianenko's takedown defense and counter-punching earned him a unanimous decision victory to retain the heavyweight championship.[57]

Title defense against Mirko Cro Cop

The match between Emelianenko and Cro Cop finally took place at PRIDE Final Conflict 2005.[59][60] In the first round, Emelianenko was stunned and had his nose broken by two stiff jabs from Cro Cop. He got hit by body kicks that discolored his midsection. Emelianenko was then able to get the fight to the ground and land several body shots, which weakened his opponent. As the fight progressed, Emelianenko became more and more dominant, winning most of the stand up exchanges and scoring several takedowns. After 20 minutes, Emelianenko was awarded victory by unanimous decision.[61][62][63]

Later PRIDE years

Emelianenko vs Coleman at Pride 32 in late 2006.

Although originally endangered due to Emelianenko's recurring hand injury, a plate inserted in his hand enabled a rematch with Coleman in Pride's American debut show, Pride 32.[64][65] In a fight where Coleman was unable to mount any significant offense, Emelianenko pounded him in the first round with punches, before securing an armbar at 1:15 in the second round.[66]

Emelianenko's last defense of his Pride Heavyweight title was against 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix champion Mark Hunt at Shockwave 2006. Josh Barnett was originally slated to fight Emelianenko for the Heavyweight title, but turned down the fight, asserting that he was unprepared. With Cro Cop's departure to the UFC organization in late 2006, Hunt became number-one contender. Sporting a broken toe during the contest, Emelianenko nevertheless secured an armbar in the second minute of the first round, but Hunt was able to escape and counter by stepping over Emelianenko, ending in side control.[67] At five minutes into the first round, Hunt made two attempts at an americana on Emelianenko's left arm but failed to complete them.[68] Emelianenko got back to his feet and after struggling to take the fight to the ground, he submitted Hunt with a kimura at 8:16 in the first round.[69]

BodogFight

With a special clause in his Pride contract that allowed him to fight under the banner of any MMA organization as long as the event was held on Russian soil,[citation needed] Emelianenko accepted a match in BodogFight against Matt Lindland. The fight was held on 14 April 2007 at the "Clash of the Nations" event in St. Petersburg, Russia. Lindland moved up two weight classes (from middleweight to heavyweight) for the match and came in weighing 212.5 lb (96.5 kg) to Emelianenko's 230 lb (104.5 kg).[70]

Early in the fight, Lindland opened a cut above Emelianenko's left eye and clinched with him, pushing him into the corner and working for a takedown. At this point, the referee warned Emelianenko against grabbing the ropes and Emelianenko corrected himself. After a few seconds in the clinch, Lindland attempted a bodylock takedown. When Lindland lifted Emelianenko from his feet, Emelianenko reversed the takedown, landing in Lindland's half guard. The fight then remained on the ground where Emelianenko won by submission via armbar at 2:58 of the first round.[71]

M-1 Global

After the purchase of Pride Fighting Championships by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta III and the expiration of Emelianenko's Pride contract, there was speculation about him fighting in the UFC, especially after a public falling out between Bodog's Calvin Ayre and Emelianenko's manager, Vadim Finkelchtein.[72] In a June 2007 interview with the Baltimore Sun, Chuck Liddell suggested that Emelianenko was on his way to the UFC.[73] The following month, it was revealed that he was also a minority owner of M-1 Global.[74] UFC president Dana White expressed interest in signing Emelianenko, but considered his management team to be the primary barrier,[75] whereas Finkelchtein cited difficult negotiations as the reason.[76] A main point of contention between the two was Finkelchtein's request for the UFC to work with his Russian M-1 promotion, extending contractual offers to other members of the Red Devil Sport Club, and permitting Emelianenko to compete in combat sambo tournaments.[72] At UFC 76, White stated that he expected Emelianenko to sign with the UFC in late 2007 or early 2008, after Emelianenko finished competing in sambo. He revealed his intent to set up a unification bout with UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture as his first UFC fight.[77] Nevertheless, negotiations broke down,[78] as Emelianenko committed to a non-exclusive, two-year and six-fight deal with M-1 Global in October 2007.[79]

2007: Yarennoka!

President and CEO of M-1 Global Monte Cox confirmed Emelianenko would face South Korean kickboxer Hong-man Choi in a New Year's Eve event, Yarennoka!, taking place in Japan and organized by former Pride staff with support from M-1 Global, FEG, and DEEP. A special rule was used for this fight to not allow any knee strikes on the ground. The fight was broadcast live in the United States on cable network HDNet.[80] Emelianenko defeated Choi in the opening round by submission via an armbar.[81]

Negotiations with DREAM

On 13 February 2008, Emelianenko attended a press conference held by Dream, a newly formed Japanese mixed martial arts promoter. Vadim Finkelchtein confirmed that the organization had a tightly knit alliance with M-1 Global and that Emelianenko would be fighting on the new organization's fight cards.[82] M-1 Global CEO Vadim Finkelchtein recently revealed plans to organize a fight for Fedor in co-operation with Dream, possibly on New Year's Eve in Japan.[83]

2008–2009: Affliction

On 19 July 2008, at Affliction: Banned, Emelianenko faced former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia. Sylvia was coming off a submission loss via guillotine choke at the hands of Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 81 in a title fight for the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship. Sylvia was the fourth-ranked heavyweight fighter in MMA by Sherdog.com prior to his fight with Emelianenko.[84]

Emelianenko defeated Sylvia in 36 seconds. He dropped him with a quick punch combination, took his back and then finished the fight via submission due to a rear naked choke. Sylvia said in the post-fight press conference, "I know that I'm one of the best in the world, I was amazed at how good Fedor is. 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."[85]

Dana White, who had previously criticized the fighter, asserted that he was impressed with Emelianenko's performance against ex-UFC champion Sylvia. When asked if the submission win changed his opinion on Fedor, White said; "It does. Tim Sylvia was a real opponent."[86]

On 24 January 2009, at Affliction: Day of Reckoning, Emelianenko fought former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski, who was widely considered a top-5 heavyweight at the time. Arlovski was on a five-bout win streak and was ranked as high as No. 2 by Sherdog.com.[87] Arlovski had some early success in the fight, landing punches and kicks.[88] However, as Emelianenko backed into the ropes, Arlovski attempted a flying knee and Emelianenko was able to counter with an overhand right which resulted in a knockout of Arlovski at 3:14 of the first round.[88] The victory was awarded knockout of the year for 2009 by Sherdog. The preparation for this bout overlapped with filming for the movie "The 5th Execution".[89][90]

Emelianenko met Shinya Aoki during a five-minute "special exhibition" at a 29 April M-1 Challenge (presented by Affliction) event in Tokyo. Emelianenko made Aoki tap out from an Achilles lock just before the bell sounded to end the exhibition.[91] In another exhibition match, Emelianenko met Gegard Mousasi, a friend and teammate, during M-1 Global: Breakthrough, held in Kansas City on 28 August. The two friends fought a competitive and friendly spirited exhibition with several Judo throws from both Emelianenko and Mousasi. Emelianenko finished the fight via armbar.[92]

Emelianenko was scheduled to fight former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett on 1 August 2009, at Affliction: Trilogy, but on 22 July Barnett was denied his license to compete by the California State Athletic Commission after testing positive for anabolic steroids.[93][94] On 23 July 2009, Vitor Belfort – who was already on the card – was reported as a likely replacement,[95] but the next day Affliction canceled the event citing limited time to find a suitable replacement and inadequate time to promote the fight.[96]

Unsuccessful negotiations with the UFC

After the collapse of Affliction, UFC President Dana White tried repeatedly to sign Emelianenko to an exclusive UFC contract.[97] White said of Emelianenko; "He has become my obsession. I want it (him in the UFC) worse than the fans want it."[98] Widely considered to be the best heavyweight MMA fighter at the time, Emelianenko would receive an immediate title shot against then current UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar, an event that White deemed "huge".[99] After reportedly offering Emelianenko a contract worth just under 2 million US dollars per fight, with incentives to make much more based on pay per view revenues for fights he headlined,[100] negotiations fell apart after Emelianenko's management team demanded a co-promotion between UFC and M-1 Global, terms which White deemed unacceptable.[99][100]

In 2012, White tried to lure Emelianenko out of retirement after overwhelming fan demand for a UFC bout between Emelianenko and Brock Lesnar.[101][102] However, White stated that Emelianenko was firmly retired.[101]

2009–2011: Strikeforce

Following the failed negotiations with the UFC, Emelianenko signed a three-fight contract with Strikeforce.[103] Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed that Emelianenko's debut would take place on 7 November, broadcast nationally on CBS.[104][105]

Emelianenko's first fight in Strikeforce was against then-undefeated Brett Rogers in the main event of Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers on 7 November 2009. Emelianenko won the fight via TKO in the second round.[106]

Emelianenko suffered his first loss in 10 years on 26 June 2010 to Fabrício Werdum. After knocking Werdum down early in the first round, Emelianenko closed in, but Werdum secured a deep triangle and an armbar from his guard, and Fedor was forced to tap.[107] Emelianenko stated through a translator on The MMA Hour that he considered retirement before the Werdum fight due to accumulating injuries and ageing.[108]

In January 2011, it was announced that Fedor had agreed to enter the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, and would face Antônio Silva on 12 February in the first quarterfinal match.[109] After a close first round, Silva took control in round 2. After passing to mount, he unleashed a barrage of ground-and-pound that ultimately caused Emelianenko's right eye to swell shut. Ringside doctors called a stop, stating that Emelianenko could not see.[110]

Emelianenko faced Dan Henderson on 30 July 2011 at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson. After both fighters landed significant punches in the first round, Fedor knocked Henderson down with a combination of strikes. Fedor followed Henderson to the mat and began to ground-and-pound him but Henderson was able to sweep and reverse position before delivering a punch underneath Fedor's armpit which landed on his chin, knocking Fedor unconscious, and sending him face first into the mat. Henderson continued to punch Fedor until referee Herb Dean jumped in to stop the fight. Dean explained, saying, "The fight is over when he's unconscious. Because he comes back swiftly after I've already stepped in and stopped the fight, I can't restart the fight. Dan's still throwing punches, but once I've touched Dan, I've stopped the fight. If I was to do it again – if I see a fighter face down receiving shots, I'm going to step in and stop the fight. I can't predict how long he's going to be unconscious for."[111]

Following his third loss in a row, Emelianenko was reportedly released from Strikeforce. UFC president Dana White stated he was being released, "Yeah, he's being cut."[112] However, Emelianenko disputed White's claims, saying, "That's Dana White's style to make comments. I didn't have a contract with Strikeforce. My current contract is with Showtime. So I think people shouldn't pay attention to these "loud" comments."[113] According to M-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan, Fedor was only under contract to Showtime and from there he fought under the Strikeforce banner, but was never a direct employee of Zuffa, and therefore was not "cut". "Strikeforce is not the only MMA promotion on Showtime so there are a number of options for Fedor which will be looked at," Kogan told MMA Weekly.[114]

On 7 October 2011 Emelianenko stated "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. Naturally, I was strained analyzing my fights,".[citation needed] Four days later, Emelianenko continued on the subject: "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."[citation needed]

2011–2012: Return to Russia, Japan and retirement

Emelianenko with Vladimir Putin in March 2012.

Following his stint in Strikeforce, Emelianenko fought Jeff Monson at M-1 Global on 20 November 2011 at the Olympic Arena in Moscow, Russia.[115]

After four years, Emelianenko made his return to Japan—where he spent most of his career—at Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 on 31 December 2011, facing Satoshi Ishii. Emelianenko won by knockout in the first round.[116]

On 21 June 2012 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Emelianenko faced three-time UFC heavyweight title contender Pedro Rizzo in an M-1 Global event.[117] Prior to the bout, it was rumored that Fedor would retire.[118] Originally denying retirement rumors, Emelianenko made his announcement post-fight after defeating Rizzo by knockout in the first two minutes of the first round.[119][120]

Although Emelianenko retired as a competitor, he remained president of the Russian MMA Union.[22]

He was a top 10 heavyweight from January 2002 to July 2011 according to FightMatrix, holding the #1 rank from April 2003 to April 2010.[13]

2015: Coming out of retirement

On 14 July 2015, after a three year hiatus from mixed martial arts, Emelianenko announced that he will be returning to active competition and has started training immediately. He was in negotiations with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Bellator MMA. In a statement released through his management, Emelianenko added that he has retired from his position at the Russian Ministry of Sport, and will put all attention toward his comeback.[121]

On 19 September 2015, at the Bellator 142 Dynamite 1 event, Fedor declared in English that he will fight on New Year's Eve for a newly created regional promotion in Japan, Rizin Fighting Federation, under the presidency of former Pride Fighting Championships boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara. Jaideep Singh and Tsuyoshi Kohsaka were initially in talks for being Fedor's opponent, but both fighters were ruled out for lack of competitiveness.[122][123] Singh was eventually confirmed as the opponent and The Last Emperor easily won his comeback fight in the first round by submission to punches.[124][125]

2016: Eurasia Fight Nights Global 50 fight versus Maldonado

Emelianenko faced Fábio Maldonado on 17 June 2016 competing for a promotion on the regional circuit in St. Petersburg (Russia). Despite being dropped and nearly finished in the first round, Emelianenko rallied over the last two rounds and was awarded a controversial majority decision victory.[126] 4 of 5 media outlets scored the bout a draw.[127] All three judges being appointed by the Russian MMA Union was pondered as a conflict of interest.[128] In turn, in mid-July the official result was overturned to a draw.[129] However, WMMAA has no real authority to change the outcome and its decision is merely symbolic in nature.[130]

Emelianenko later announced that he was going to pursue his career and study all the proposals he had received; the most anticipated being the one from the UFC, which Emelianenko confirmed he received prior to the fight against Maldonado.[131][132]

2017–2023: Bellator MMA

On 19 November 2016, during the Bellator 165 broadcast it was announced that Emelianenko signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA.[133]

On 20 November 2016 it was announced that Emelianenko would face Matt Mitrione at Bellator's 18 February 2017 show in San Jose, California at Bellator 172. The fight was canceled only few hours before the fight as Mitrione was suffering from kidney stones and the promoter was unable to line up a substitute opponent in such a short notice.[134] This fight against Mitrione was rescheduled for the Bellator NYC on 24 June 2017.[135] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[136]

In November 2017, Bellator announced the 2018 Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix that will crown the Bellator Heavyweight champion, vacated in May 2016 by Vitaly Minakov. Eight fighters will compete between February and December 2018.[137]

Emelianenko faced former UFC Heavyweight champion Frank Mir at Bellator 198 on 28 April 2018. The bout was part of the opening round of the Bellator Heavyweight Tournament.[138] Emelianenko won the fight via TKO in the first round.[139] He next faced Chael Sonnen in the semi-finals at Bellator 208 on 13 October 2018. Emelianenko won the fight via TKO in the first round.[139]

In October 2018, Fedor Emelianenko left the post of the Russian MMA Union's President. After this, he became the Honorary President and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Union.[140][23]

In the final, Emelianenko faced Ryan Bader for the vacant Bellator Heavyweight World Championship in the main event at Bellator 214 on 26 January 2019.[141] He lost the fight via knockout just 35 seconds into round one.[142]

Despite contemplating retirement, news surfaced on 15 June 2019, that Emelianenko had signed a new exclusive, multi-fight contract with Bellator.[143]

Emelianenko fought Quinton Jackson on 29 December 2019 at a Bellator and Rizin co-produced event in Japan.[144] He won the fight via technical knockout in round one.[145][146]

Emelianenko fought Timothy Johnson on 23 October 2021 at Bellator 269.[147][148] He won the bout via knockout in round one.[149]

Emelianenko faced Ryan Bader in a rematch for the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship on February 4, 2023 at Bellator 290.[150] He lost the bout via ground and pound TKO in the first round, retiring from MMA after the bout.[151]

Legacy and fighting style

Sports Illustrated, among other publications, named Emelianenko as the top MMA fighter of the 2000s.[11] Former combat sports fighters Chuck Norris and Mike Tyson; MMA fighters such as Junior dos Santos, Fabrício Werdum, Jose Aldo, Georges St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov; and several publications have called Emelianenko the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.[12][152][153] MMA referee John McCarthy, sports commentator Michael Schiavello and others, have compared Emelianenko's impact and legacy in MMA to the likes of Muhammad Ali, Pelé, Wayne Gretzky, and their legacies in their respective sports.[154] Sports and MMA media, ESPN, Bleacher Report, Sherdog, SB Nation (mmafighting) and Fight Matrix, list him as the greatest MMA heavyweight fighter of all time.[155] Emelianenko is also the longest-reigning heavyweight lineal champion.[156] As of 2021, Emelianenko has defeated seven former UFC champions. In 2020, UFC President Dana White stated that the only fight he regrets not having made was a match between Emelianenko and Brock Lesnar, when Lesnar was the UFC heavyweight champion.[157] Although Emelianenko is mainly known as a striker, he is considered to excel in all of the attributes of the MMA game.[158] MMA analyst Jack Slack wrote that, "very few men can claim to have Olympic alternate level judo and still able to out-strike the best kickboxer in MMA history".[158] Mixed martial arts champion and commentator Bas Rutten described Emelianenko's versatility as, "if you give him an arm, he arm-bars you. If you give him a leg, he leg locks you. If you give him a punch, he knocks you out."[159]

From 2000 to 2010, Emelianenko went over ten years and 33 fights with only one loss in professional MMA, a controversial doctor's stoppage after being cut by an accidental foul by Tsuyoshi Kohsaka (who he later TKO'd in a separate bout). Simultaneously he went undefeated in dozens of combat sambo fights across ten national and international tournaments, winning gold in all of them. Among his MMA wins in this time were four former UFC Heavyweight Champions (Coleman, Randleman, Sylvia, and Arlovski), the only other PRIDE Heavyweight Champion (Nogueira, also a future interim UFC Heavyweight Champion), a former K-1 and Glory Heavyweight Champion (Schilt), a future Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion (Sobral), a K-1 World Grand Prix Champion (Hunt), and the 2006 PRIDE Open-Weight Grand Prix Champion (Filipović).

Emelianenko medaled in at least 20 combat sambo tournaments, including 16 golds, 1 silver, and 3 bronzes.

In the stand-up, Emelianenko's aggressive boxing makes a wide usage of the "Russian hook" or casting punch popularised by Igor Vovchanchyn,[160] as well as other types of more technical power punches to the body and head.[158] This, combined with smart footwork, allows him to disrupt the offence of more scientific strikers and land strikes. He frequently darts into striking range with either a left hook or an overhand right to disrupt counterpunches, resulting in a flurry of punches that often stun or flatten his opponents.[citation needed]

Emelianenko has shown a high level acumen of hip throws from judo and sambo to bring his adversary to the ground, preferring to work from the clinch as opposed to the more common leg take downs.[158] Once on the mat, he favors a strategy of ground-and-pound executed with viciousness and dynamism, able to negate his opponent's work from the bottom and cause damage with heavy strikes.[158] He rarely seeks to improve position over his opponent, instead attacking freely from positions widely considered as dangerous, sometimes baiting for submissions in order to create openings.[158]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
48 matches 40 wins 7 losses
By knockout 16 6
By submission 15 1
By decision 9 0
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 40–7 (1) Ryan Bader TKO (punches) Bellator 290 February 4, 2023 1 2:30 Inglewood, California, United States For the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship.
Win 40–6 (1) Timothy Johnson KO (punches) Bellator 269 October 23, 2021 1 1:46 Moscow, Russia
Win 39–6 (1) Quinton Jackson TKO (punches) Bellator 237 December 29, 2019 1 2:44 Saitama, Japan
Loss 38–6 (1) Ryan Bader TKO (punches) Bellator 214 January 26, 2019 1 0:35 Inglewood, California, United States Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final. For the vacant Bellator Heavyweight World Championship.
Win 38–5 (1) Chael Sonnen TKO (punches) Bellator 208 October 13, 2018 1 4:46 Uniondale, New York, United States Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinal.
Win 37–5 (1) Frank Mir KO (punches) Bellator 198 April 28, 2018 1 0:48 Rosemont, Illinois, United States Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Loss 36–5 (1) Matt Mitrione TKO (punches) Bellator NYC June 24, 2017 1 1:14 New York City, New York, United States
Win 36–4 (1) Fábio Maldonado Decision (majority) Fight Nights Global 50 17 June 2016 3 5:00 Saint Petersburg, Russia Result unofficially ruled a Draw by the World Mixed Martial Arts Association; however, that decision has not been recognized by the Russian MMA Union.
Win 35–4 (1) Jaideep Singh TKO (submission to punches) Rizin World Grand Prix 2015: Part 2 - Iza December 31, 2015 1 3:02 Saitama, Japan
Win 34–4 (1) Pedro Rizzo KO (punches) M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Rizzo June 21, 2012 1 1:24 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Win 33–4 (1) Satoshi Ishii KO (punches) Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 December 31, 2011 1 2:29 Saitama, Japan
Win 32–4 (1) Jeff Monson Decision (unanimous) M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Monson November 20, 2011 3 5:00 Moscow, Russia
Loss 31–4 (1) Dan Henderson TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson 30 July 2011 1 4:12 Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States
Loss 31–3 (1) Antônio Silva TKO (doctor stoppage) Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva February 12, 2011 2 5:00 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Loss 31–2 (1) Fabrício Werdum Submission (triangle armbar) Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum June 26, 2010 1 1:09 San Jose, California, United States
Win 31–1 (1) Brett Rogers TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers November 7, 2009 2 1:48 Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States Defended the WAMMA Heavyweight Championship.
Win 30–1 (1) Andrei Arlovski KO (punch) Affliction: Day of Reckoning January 24, 2009 1 3:14 Anaheim, California, United States Defended WAMMA Heavyweight Championship.
Win 29–1 (1) Tim Sylvia Submission (rear-naked choke) Affliction: Banned July 19, 2008 1 0:36 Anaheim, California, United States Won the inaugural WAMMA Heavyweight Championship.
Win 28–1 (1) Choi Hong-man Submission (armbar) Yarennoka! December 31, 2007 1 1:54 Saitama, Japan Super Heavyweight bout.
Win 27–1 (1) Matt Lindland Submission (armbar) Bodog Fight: Clash of the Nations 2007 April 14, 2007 1 2:58 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Win 26–1 (1) Mark Hunt Submission (kimura) Pride Shockwave 2006 December 31, 2006 1 8:16 Saitama, Japan Defended the PRIDE Heavyweight Championship.
Win 25–1 (1) Mark Coleman Submission (armbar) Pride 32 October 21, 2006 2 1:17 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 24–1 (1) Zuluzinho TKO (submission to punches) Pride Shockwave 2005 December 31, 2005 1 0:26 Saitama, Japan
Win 23–1 (1) Mirko Cro Cop Decision (unanimous) Pride Final Conflict 2005 August 28, 2005 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan Defended the PRIDE Heavyweight Championship.
Win 22–1 (1) Tsuyoshi Kohsaka TKO (doctor stoppage) Pride Bushido 6 April 3, 2005 1 10:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 21–1 (1) Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira Decision (unanimous) Pride Shockwave 2004 December 31, 2004 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan Defended and unified the PRIDE Heavyweight Championship. Won the 2004 PRIDE Heavyweight Grand Prix.
NC 20–1 (1) Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira NC (accidental clash of heads) Pride Final Conflict 2004 August 15, 2004 1 3:52 Saitama, Japan Retained the PRIDE Heavyweight Championship. 2004 PRIDE Heavyweight Grand Prix Final. Accidental clash of heads rendered Emelianenko unable to continue.
Win 20–1 Naoya Ogawa Submission (armbar) 1 0:54 2004 PRIDE Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal.
Win 19–1 Kevin Randleman Submission (kimura) Pride Critical Countdown 2004 June 20, 2004 1 1:33 Saitama, Japan 2004 PRIDE Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 18–1 Mark Coleman Submission (armbar) Pride Total Elimination 2004 April 25, 2004 1 2:11 Saitama, Japan 2004 PRIDE Heavyweight Grand Prix First round.
Win 17–1 Yuji Nagata TKO (punches) Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003 December 31, 2003 1 1:02 Kobe, Japan
Win 16–1 Gary Goodridge TKO (soccer kicks and punches) Pride Total Elimination 2003 August 10, 2003 1 1:09 Saitama, Japan
Win 15–1 Kazuyuki Fujita Submission (rear-naked choke) Pride 26 June 8, 2003 1 4:17 Tokyo, Japan
Win 14–1 Egidijus Valavicius Submission (kimura) Rings Lithuania: Bushido Rings 7: Adrenalinas April 5, 2003 2 1:11 Vilnius, Lithuania
Win 13–1 Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira Decision (unanimous) Pride 25 March 16, 2003 3 5:00 Yokohama, Japan Won the PRIDE Heavyweight Championship.
Win 12–1 Heath Herring TKO (doctor stoppage) Pride 23 November 24, 2002 1 10:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 11–1 Semmy Schilt Decision (unanimous) Pride 21 June 23, 2002 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 10–1 Chris Haseman TKO (punches) Rings Japan: World Title Series Grand Final February 15, 2002 1 2:50 Yokohama, Japan Won the 2001 Rings Absolute Class Tournament.
Win 9–1 Lee Hasdell Submission (kimura) Rings Japan: World Title Series 5 December 21, 2001 1 4:10 Yokohama, Japan 2001 Rings Absolute Class Tournament Semifinal.
Win 8–1 Ryushi Yanagisawa Decision (unanimous) Rings Japan: World Title Series 4 October 20, 2001 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan 2001 RINGS Absolute Class Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 7–1 Renato Sobral Decision (unanimous) Rings: 10th Anniversary August 11, 2001 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan Won the 2001 Rings Openweight Tournament.
Win 6–1 Kerry Schall Submission (armbar) Rings Japan: World Title Series 1 April 20, 2001 1 1:47 Tokyo, Japan 2001 Rings Openweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 5–1 Mihail Apostolov Submission (rear-naked choke) Rings Russia: Russia vs. Bulgaria 2 April 6, 2001 1 1:03 Yekaterinburg, Russia
Loss 4–1 Tsuyoshi Kohsaka TKO (doctor stoppage) Rings: King of Kings 2000 Block B December 22, 2000 1 0:17 Osaka, Japan 2000 Rings Heavyweight Tournament 2nd Round.
Win 4–0 Ricardo Arona Decision (unanimous) 3 5:00 2000 Rings Heavyweight Tournament Opening round.
Win 3–0 Hiroya Takada KO (punches) Rings Japan: Battle Genesis 6 September 5, 2000 1 0:12 Tokyo, Japan
Win 2–0 Levon Lagvilava Submission (rear-naked choke) Rings: Russia vs. Georgia August 16, 2000 1 7:24 Tula, Russia
Win 1–0 Martin Lazarov Submission (guillotine choke) Rings Russia: Russia vs. Bulgaria May 21, 2000 1 2:24 Yekaterinburg, Russia Heavyweight debut.

Political career

Towards the end of his mixed martial arts career, Emelianenko entered politics. He was elected to a five-year term as a deputy of the Belgorod Regional Duma on 10 October 2010 under the United Russia political party.[21]

On 28 July 2012, Emelianenko replaced Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev as a staff member of Russia's Council of Physical Fitness & Sports. The corresponding decree was signed by Russian president Vladimir Putin.[24][25]

In 2014, Emelianenko expressed support of the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, and commented on the choice of the majority of the Crimean population to become a part of Russia in the 2014 Crimean status referendum: "Crimea has made the right choice, by joining Russia."[211] He travelled to Crimea in order to promote MMA in the peninsula.[212]

As for the Donbas war, Emelianenko accused Ukraine of waging a war against its own people,[213] accused the Ukrainian government of fascism, and of "murdering Russians simply for being Russian."[214]

Personal life

In 1999, two years after his army service, he married Oksana, whom he had known since school,[32] and their daughter Masha was born in the same year.[26] They divorced in 2006.[6] On 29 December 2007, his second daughter, Vasilisa, was born to his long-time girlfriend Marina.[215][216] Emelianenko and Marina married in October 2009.[217] In his spare time, he likes to read, listen to music, and draw.[218] in July 2011 their second daughter Elizaveta was born.[32] He is a practicing Orthodox Christian and a parishioner at the church of St. Nicholas in Stary Oskol.[219] His entrance theme song, oy, to ne vecher, was performed at his request by archdeacon Andrey Zheleznyakov, soloist at the Episcopal Choir of the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese.[220] In February 2014, Emelianenko remarried his first wife.[221]

According to many people who have had close contact with Emelianenko, he is a humble man.[222]

Emelianenko has stated his driving force for winning fights was: "Years ago we hardly had anything to eat. Now I earn more money and I see every opponent as a man that tries to put me back to that poorer period. That man has to be eliminated." and about his state of mind before a fight: "When I walk into a fight, I'm trying not to think about anything; collect myself and concentrate. And going into a fight, I don't feel any emotions, neither anger nor compassion. I don't emotionalize. I'm going into a fight with a clear mind... During the fight, my senses dim and basically I don't feel any pain."[223]

Emelianenko at the Nippon Budokan in 2012

In Fighters Only magazine, a sports psychologist was quoted as saying, "The best when it comes to the stare down is Fedor Emelianenko. Watch him: he does not make eye contact and his entire expression is extremely relaxed – you would think he is about to perform a ballet or something. But here is the crucial thing. When the referee tells them to head back to their corners, Fedor suddenly darts a short look directly at his opponent – or through his opponent, I should say. This kind of look is associated with antisocial behavioral disorders and psychopaths. They don't look at you, they look through you. It's emotionless; it goes deeper than skin level. You will get a lot of fighters who will catch that look and suddenly realize they don't want to be there. Wanderlei Silva has a stare-down that makes you think 'this is gonna hurt', but Fedor's makes you think 'I might die'."[224]

Fedor trains with his youngest brother Ivan, who has competed in Combat Sambo.[31]

Emelianenko was one of 80 Russian sports champions, cultural icons and national heroes to carry the Olympic torch in St. Petersburg in 2008.[225]

When asked about his ethnicity in 2018, Fedor Emelianenko (who was born in Ukraine) said he was of Russian ethnicity, but that he "doesn't divide our countries." He said that Russia and Ukraine are "two different states," but that for him they were "still the same country."[226][227][228]

On 21 January 2021, Emelianenko was hospitalised in Moscow after contracting COVID-19.[229] On 27 January, it was revealed that Emelianenko was released from the hospital.[230]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2009 Fedor: The Baddest Man on the Planet Himself Documentary Biography
2009 CNBC Originals: Ultimate Fighting: Fistful of Dollars Himself Archive footage
2010 The 5th Execution Fedor
2011 New York Mixed Martial Arts Himself Cameo; Documentary

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2006 무한도전 (Infinite Challenge) Himself Guest
Season 04; Episode 18 & 19: "Wrestling Challenges Parts 1 & 2"
2007 Human Weapon Himself Cameo
Season 01; Episode 11: "Sambo"
2008 Inside MMA Himself Guest interview with Bas Rutten
2008 놀라운 대회 스타킹 (Starking) Himself Guest
2009 Sports Science Himself Guest
Season 02; Episode 01: "Choked and Slammed"
2009 Inside MMA Himself Bazzie Award for KO Punch of the Year
2012 놀라운 대회 스타킹 (Starking) Himself Guest
Sambo exhibition with Chan Sung Jung
2012 クイズ☆タレント名鑑 (Talent Directory Quiz) Himself Contestant
Ultimate Sumo Championship 2012
2013 世界行ってみたらホントはこんなトコだった!? Himself Cameo
Season 03; Episode 04: "Russia"
2013 ジャイアントキリング (Giant Killing) Himself Contestant
Sportsmen Arm-Wrestling World Finals
2014 The Voice Versus Himself Guest
Season 05; Episode 04: "The Voice Versus: Fedor"

Video games

Year Title Role
2003 PrideGP Grand Prix 2003 Playable Character
2010 EA Sports MMA Playable Character
Cover Athlete

Advertising

Year Title Notes
2008 Affliction Clothing International
2009 Snickers South Korea
2011 Forward Sportswear Russia
2012 Mercedes-Benz Russia

Bibliography

Author Title Year Publisher ISBN
Fedor Emelianenko, Glen Cordoza, Erich Krauss Fedor: The Fighting System of the World's Undisputed King of MMA 2008 Victory Belt Publishing 9780977731541
Fedor Emelianenko, Vasily Shestakov, Svetlana Eregina Sambo: The Science of Winning 2012 OLMA Media Group 9785373048637

See also

References

  1. ^ Gross, Josh (26 May 2007). "Emelianenko motivated to represent himself in the US". ESPN. Archived from the original on 13 January 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2007.
  2. ^ http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/b8da6f5c80ae2d15
  3. ^ a b "Fight Finder – Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko's Mixed Martial Arts Statistics". Sherdog.com. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2009.
  4. ^ steverattlemma (30 August 2011). "Ernesto Hoost On Fedor's Training In Holland". Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2018 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "JudoInside - Fedor Emelianenko Judoka".
  6. ^ a b Chiappetta, Mike (4 October 2009). "During Midst of Training For Rogers, Fedor Emelianenko Gets Married". Fanhouse.com. Archived from the original on 11 October 2009. Retrieved 4 October 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. ^ "Who are the Champions of Peace?". peace-sport.org/fr. Archived from the original on 26 March 2013.
  8. ^ Humber, Yuriy (11 October 2005). "Russian Mixed Martial Arts Fighter Wins Fame and Fortune in the Caged Rings of Japan". The St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the original on 1 March 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  9. ^ Heck, Mike (1 February 2023). "Fedor Emelianenko has no regrets not fighting for UFC, recalls only meeting with Dana White". MMA Fighting. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  10. ^ a b c Gross, Josh (18 December 2009). "MMA: Highlights and lowlights". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  11. ^ a b − − − − − −
  12. ^ a b − − − − − − − −
  13. ^ a b "Fedor Emelianenko's MMA Ranking Profile". fightmatrix.com. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  14. ^ Schwirtz, Michael (20 January 2009). "A Russian Warrior Who Doesn't Battle for Acclaim". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 13 November 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  15. ^ Gross, Josh (12 November 2009). "Josh Gross: Fedor's marketability has sky-rocketed, but CBS was hoping for more". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  16. ^ Snowden, Jonathan (29 November 2011). "Fedor Emelianenko, Vadim Finkelstein Talk Vladimir Putin Booing Incident, Moscow Success And M-1's Future". MMA Nation. Archived from the original on 22 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  17. ^ Pishna, Ken (30 November 2009). "M-1 claims huge worldwide audience". Yahoo Sports. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  18. ^ Obi, Nedu. "Fedor Emelianenko: Vladimir Putin Thanks Him for Promoting MMA in Russia". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  19. ^ "Russians young and old embrace mixed martial arts". South China Morning Post. 16 November 2013. Archived from the original on 22 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  20. ^ Dawson, Alan. "Bellator MMA is using Fedor Emelianenko's wild popularity to break further ground in its European strongholds". Insider. Archived from the original on 19 October 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  21. ^ a b "Fedor became deputy". profc.ws. 20 October 2010. Archived from the original on 22 May 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  22. ^ a b "The Russian MMA Union has elected its first president and his name is Fedor Emelianenko". MiddleEasy.com. 17 May 2012. Archived from the original on 30 January 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  23. ^ a b "Союз ММА России. Президиум" (in Russian). Russian MMA Union. Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  24. ^ a b "Council of Physical Fitness and Sports". state.kremlin.ru. Archived from the original on 30 March 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  25. ^ a b "Emelianenko goes into politics". gazeta.ru. 11 August 2012. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Fedor Emelyanenko Biography". Archived from the original on 26 January 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  27. ^ a b c Schwirtz, Michael (20 January 2009). "A Russian Warrior Who Doesn't Battle for Acclaim". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 12 June 2015. Retrieved 27 January 2009.
  28. ^ "Уже в марте российские поклонники смешанных единоборств смогут, не выезжая за границу, стать болельщиками турнира "Россия против Америки"". efedor.ru. 14 February 2011. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011.
  29. ^ "Федор Емельяненко: "В мире у нас с братом Александром популярность не меньше, чем у братьев Кличко"". efedor.ru. 15 February 2011. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011.
  30. ^ "Trainer of fighter MMA Emelyanenko died of coronavirus". RuNews24.ru. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
  31. ^ a b Nastenko, Georgiy (21 February 2007). "It's possible to win even lying on your back". Rossiya Newspaper. Archived from the original (Reprint) on 13 August 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2009. Ivan is 18, and though he has a lot of talent, he does not have enough drive and ambition. However, he is not shooting for huge success either. At the very least, he is not ready for any sacrifices in order to reach certain results, unlike me, for example. And that's normal. For each his own. Sport, especially martial arts, is not something people should be forced to do. —Fedor Emelianenko
  32. ^ a b c Fedor Emelianenko – Last Emperor Archived 14 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine, beautifulrus.com, Retrieved, 19 May 2014
  33. ^ a b "Heavyweight Fighter Fedor Emelianenko". Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  34. ^ a b "Radio interview with Fedor Emelianenko on Radio Sport, Moscow". fedoremelianenko.tv. 11 January 2007. Archived from the original on 31 July 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  35. ^ Judo Inside.
  36. ^ Rousseau, Robert. "Fedor Emelianenko Bio / Training / Fighting Techniques". Extreme Pro Sports.com. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  37. ^ a b c d Leidecker, Tim (19 July 2009). "Emelianenko ready to cement his stature". ESPN. Archived from the original on 4 November 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  38. ^ "Ernesto"Mr. Perfect"Hoost". Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). Ernesto-hoost-workshop-germany-2010.com. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
  39. ^ Fedor training with kickboxer Tyrone Spong (K-1) before fighting Cro Cop « Inside MMA[permanent dead link]. Twinsspecial.org. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
  40. ^ Denis Lebedev to Train with Fedor Emelianenko for Huck – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
  41. ^ Dure, Beau (10 July 2008). "Russian Emelianenko brings big reputation to the States". USA Today. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2008.
  42. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko interview". Pride. 28 March 2005. Archived from the original on 2 August 2008. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  43. ^ "Full Contact Fighter August 2001 News Archives". Fcfighter.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  44. ^ "10th Anniversary World Title Series III". Prowrestlinghistory.com. Archived from the original on 21 May 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  45. ^ Trembow, Ivan (22 November 2002). "Ivan's Blog: Friday, November 22, 2002". Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  46. ^ Trembow, Ivan (14 March 2003). "Ivan's Blog: Friday, March 14, 2003". Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  47. ^ a b Nowe, Jason (26 August 2005). "Fedor vs. "Cro Cop": All the Makings of a Great One". Sherdog. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  48. ^ Yu, Al (30 June 2006). "- WANDERLEI VS. FUJITA: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK". MMA Weekly. Archived from the original on 9 September 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  49. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko Wants Brock Lesnar". Fight Line. 16 February 2009. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  50. ^ Sloan, Mike (14 August 2003). "The Future of PRIDE after the Tremendous Non-Tourney Bouts". Sherdog. Archived from the original on 17 April 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  51. ^ Yu, Al (19 October 2006). "Can Coleman Upset Fedor at Pride?". MMA Weekly. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  52. ^ MMA Underground Forums Archived 4 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Mixedmartialarts.com. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  53. ^ "New Years Eve Previews: K-1, Shockwave, and Inoki". Sherdog. 30 December 2003. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  54. ^ "Sherdog.com Preview: PRIDE "Final Conflict" Part III – Fedor vs. "Cro Cop"". Sherdog. 26 August 2005. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  55. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko Post Pride CC Interview". Sherdog. 20 June 2004. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009. I wasn't scared or hurt, I was just fighting according to the situation. —Fedor Emelianenko
  56. ^ Trembow, Ivan (14 August 2005). "The Full Story on Frank Mir Being Stripped of the UFC Heavyweight Title". Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  57. ^ a b c Gross, Josh (4 January 2006). "Fedor Retains PRIDE Title, Silva loses to K-1 Champ Hunt". Sherdog. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  58. ^ "Rodrigo Nogueira: On the Rebound". Sherdog. 16 March 2005. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009. I was not [fighting] with a good distance so I wasn't able to take him down... he was smart, [and] did not want to work the ground with me. —Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira
  59. ^ "PRIDE Final Conflict 2005 Results, Fight Card, News, Videos, Pictures, and more". Sherdog.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  60. ^ "Fedor 'The Last Emperor' Emelianenko MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, biography, and More". Sherdog.com. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  61. ^ Lewis, Destiny (7 April 2007). "Fedor Emelianenko the Best Fighter in the World?". Gambling 911. Archived from the original on 6 March 2008. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  62. ^ Trembow, Ivan (28 May 2005). "Ivan's Blog: Saturday, May 28, 2005". IvansBlog.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2007.
  63. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko Post Pride Final Conflict Video Interview". Sherdog.com. 28 August 2005. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  64. ^ Jenkins, Lee (22 June 2006). "No Holds (or Kicks, or Punches) Barred". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 1 December 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  65. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko". Kickboxing.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  66. ^ Iole, Kevin (22 October 2006). "Pride Fighting Championships: Russian keeps title belt". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  67. ^ "Fedor is off Pride Shockwave too". Gracie Magazine. 13 December 2006. Archived from the original on 13 August 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  68. ^ Yu, Al (31 December 2006). "Pride Shockwave 2006 Review And Pictures". MMA Weekly. Archived from the original on 9 September 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  69. ^ Rossen, Jake (2 January 2007). "Notes from New Year's Weekend". Sherdog. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  70. ^ "Fighters weigh-in at Bodog Russia". MMA Weekly. 13 April 2007. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  71. ^ Sloan, Mike (16 April 2007). "Monday Morning Reverie: bodogFIGHT". Sherdog. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  72. ^ a b Caplan, Sam (16 August 2007). "Fedor's next destination should be the UFC". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on 23 January 2008. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  73. ^ Mohaparta, Pramit (12 June 2007). "One-on-one with Chuck Liddell". Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 15 June 2007. You've got Fedor [Emelianenko] coming over... in the heavyweight division. —Chuck Liddell
  74. ^ "Федор Емельяненко. Официальный сайт". efedor.ru. 31 July 2007. Archived from the original on 20 June 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  75. ^ Martin, Todd (2 July 2007). "Foreign Invasion: Some familiar faces are ready for action at UFC". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 15 July 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2009. [I have] no idea what these crazy Russians are going to do. —Dana White
  76. ^ Kogan, Evgeni (27 July 2007). "Finkelstein discusses Fedor's future in MMA". ESPN. Archived from the original on 2 November 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009. [The UFC is] very harsh in their terms... their proposal has all kinds of clauses [and] fines that do not suit us... Fedor must represent (sic) combat sambo in Russia. —Vadim Finkelchtein
  77. ^ Cain, Jeff (22 September 2007). "Presidential Address, State of the UFC". MMA Weekly. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2009. I think that Fedor, right now, the word is he wants to fight in this Sambo event, but I won't let him fight in it if he's with us. I think he's going to wait until he fights in this thing in October, November, and we'll probably come to a deal with him at the end of this year or the beginning of next year... What we'd want to do is, we'd want to know who is the best heavyweight in the world. So if we sign Fedor, Fedor comes right in and fights Randy Couture for the title. —Dana White
  78. ^ Hockensmith, Ryan (22 October 2007). "Emelianenko ready to move on to M-1". ESPN. Archived from the original on 4 November 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  79. ^ Stupp, Dann (22 October 2007). "It's Official: Fedor Emelianenko Signs With M-1 Global". MMA Junkie. Archived from the original on 25 October 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  80. ^ Pishna, Ken (20 November 2007). "On Again, Off Again, Fedor NYE Fight Confirmed". MMA Weekly. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  81. ^ Yu, Al (31 December 2007). "Fedor Topples the Giant in Japan". MMA Weekly. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  82. ^ Loiseleur, Tony (13 February 2008). "Dream comes true?". Sherdog.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  83. ^ Gurevich, Anton (23 August 2010). "M-1 Global are lining up New Year's Eve fight for Fedor Emelianenko in Japan or Russia". LowKick.com via Championat.ru. Archived from the original on 26 August 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
  84. ^ "Heavyweight – Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". Sherdog.com. 6 February 2008. Archived from the original on 20 February 2011. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  85. ^ James, Dustin (7 July 2008). "Tim Sylvia Comments on Loss To Fedor Emelianenko". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2011.
  86. ^ Iole, Kevin. (19 November 2011) White stands by his man Silva – UFC – Yahoo! Sports Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Yahoo!. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  87. ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". Sherdog.com. 30 December 2008. Archived from the original on 20 February 2011. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  88. ^ a b Hall, Joe (25 January 2009). "Fedor counters knee to KO Arlovski". ESPN. Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  89. ^ "Fedor's 'The 5th Execution' almost completed". Middleeasy.com. 2 July 2009. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  90. ^ "Trainer: Emelianenko distracted prior to Arlovski fight". MMAopinion.com. 26 January 2009. Archived from the original on 22 May 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  91. ^ Loiseleur, Tony (29 April 2009). "Fedor, Aoki Entertain at M-1 Challenge; Spain, USA West, UK Teams Victorious". Sherdog. Archived from the original on 19 May 2010. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  92. ^ Brady, Cory (28 August 2009). "Fedor Emelianenko Submits Gegard Mousasi at "M-1 Global: Breakthrough"". FiveOuncesofPain. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2009.
  93. ^ Stupp, Dann (22 July 2009). "CSAC: Affliction's Josh Barnett tested positive for anabolic steroid, license denied". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on 17 September 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  94. ^ Martin, Damon (22 July 2009). "Affliction confirms Barnett is out". Yahoo Sports. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  95. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko vs. Vitor Belfort expected for "Affliction Trilogy"". Five Ounces of Pain. 22 July 2009. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2009.
  96. ^ "Affliction Releases Official Statement on Cancellation". The Fight Network. 24 July 2009. Archived from the original on 26 July 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  97. ^ Hemminger, Brian. (16 July 2009) Brock Lesnar vs Fedor Emelianenko in the UFC (Part two) Archived 5 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine. MMAmania.com. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  98. ^ Dana White plays up obsession with Fedor Emelianenko Archived 9 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine. USA Today. 9 April 2010. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  99. ^ a b Stupp, Dann. (12 July 2009) Dana White says Fedor Emelianenko will fight in the UFC, Brock Lesnar fight imminent Archived 19 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine. MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  100. ^ a b Fedor Emelianenko Turns Down Three-Fight UFC Contract Archived 7 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Mmafighting.com (30 July 2009). Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  101. ^ a b Burke, Tim (24 October 2012). "Dana White: Brock Lesnar, Fedor Emelianenko never returning to MMA". Bloody Elbow. Archived from the original on 27 October 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  102. ^ "Poll: Brock Lesnar vs. Fedor Emelianenko…Would You Like to See It?". Cagepotato. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  103. ^ "Strikeforce signs top heavyweight Fedor". Yahoo Sports. 3 August 2009. Archived from the original on 7 August 2009. Retrieved 3 August 2009.
  104. ^ Hunt, Loretta (17 September 2009). "Update: Fedor-Rogers Meet Nov. 7 on CBS". Sherdog.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2009. Retrieved 17 September 2009.
  105. ^ Hunt, Loretta (8 November 2009). "Fedor Bloodied But Victorious". Sherdog.com. Archived from the original on 10 November 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2009.
  106. ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". Sherdog.com. 31 October 2009. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  107. ^ Pugmire, Lance (27 June 2010). "Post-fight reaction from Fabrício Werdum's big upset over Fedor Emelianenko". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 30 June 2010. Retrieved 27 June 2010.
  108. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko Considered Retirement Before Loss to Werdum". Mmafighting.com. 8 February 2011. Archived from the original on 12 April 2011. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  109. ^ M-1 GLOBAL’S Fedor Emelianenko Joins Elite Heavyweight Tournament | Strikeforce. Strikeforce.com. Retrieved 14 February 2011. [dead link]
  110. ^ "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Play-by-Play: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Silva". MMA Weekly. 12 February 2011. Archived from the original on 16 February 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2011.
  111. ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (2 August 2011) "Referee Herb Dean Stands by the Fedor Emelianenko Stoppage – MMA Nation". August 2011. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 4 August 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). Mma.sbnation.com. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  112. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko Released by Strikeforce Following Third Loss in a Row". MMA Weekly. 4 August 2011. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 4 August 2011.
  113. ^ Fedor Emelianenko: I want to continue fighting | Strikeforce News | LowKick.com Archived 29 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Lowkick.blitzcorner.com (11 August 2011). Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  114. ^ "M-1 Global Clarifies Fedor Emelianenko's Contract, Open to Hendo Rematch on Showtime". MMA Weekly. 6 August 2011. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
  115. ^ "Monson Confirms November M-1 Date with Emelianenko". sherdog.com. 6 September 2011. Archived from the original on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
  116. ^ Fedor Emelianenko vs. Satoshi Ishii likely for New Year's Eve | Dream News | LowKick.com Archived 23 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Lowkick.blitzcorner.com (20 November 2011). Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  117. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko Returns to Action This June". MMA Weekly. 6 April 2012. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  118. ^ "Report: Fedor Reveals Retirement Plans". MMA Weekly. 6 August 2011. Archived from the original on 20 May 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  119. ^ "Morning Report: Fedor Emelianenko Denies Retirement, Brock Lesnar Rumored for UFC Return". MMAFighting.com. 7 June 2012. Archived from the original on 9 June 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2012.
  120. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko Officially Retires; No "Fantastic Offers" to Tempt Him". MMA Weekly. 21 June 2012. Archived from the original on 24 June 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  121. ^ "MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko is coming out of retirement". BloodyElbow.com. 14 July 2015. Archived from the original on 30 January 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  122. ^ "Report: Fedor Emelianenko needs new opponent because Jaideep Singh is out of shape". MMAmania.com. 28 October 2015. Archived from the original on 25 November 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  123. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko still without an opponent, Tsuyoshi Kosaka to face James Thompson at Rizin". MMA Fighting. 22 November 2015. Archived from the original on 26 November 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  124. ^ Marc Raimondi (17 December 2015). "Fedor Emelianenko's opponent announced as Jaideep Singh, Rizin's original plan". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2015. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  125. ^ Sherdog.com. "Rizin FF – Iza no Mai". Sherdog. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  126. ^ Andreas Hale (17 June 2016). "Fedor Emelianenko wins in controversial fashion in Russia". sports.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 14 January 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  127. ^ MMA Decisions (17 June 2016). "Fedor Emelianenko vs. Fabio Maldonado". mmadecisions.com. Archived from the original on 28 December 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  128. ^ Karim Zidan (19 June 2016). "EFN 50: Fedor vs. Maldonado controversy reveals conflict of interest". bloodyelbow.com. Archived from the original on 20 June 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  129. ^ Darragh Murphy (15 July 2016). "The result of Fedor Emelianenko's bizarre fight against Fabio Maldonado has reportedly been overturned". sportsjoe.ie.com.[permanent dead link]
  130. ^ Ken Pishna (15 July 2016). "Fedor Emelianenko's Win Over Fabio Maldonado Overturned But Russians Refuse Decision". mma weekly.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  131. ^ Hiergesell, Dan (18 June 2016). "MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko will 'fight on' after disappointing performance opposite Fabio Maldonado at EFN 50". MMAmania.com. Archived from the original on 20 June 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  132. ^ Raimondi, Marc (13 June 2016). "Fedor Emelianenko says he's closer than ever to signing with the UFC". MMA Fighting. Archived from the original on 16 June 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  133. ^ "Fedor Signs Multi-Fight Deal with Bellator". 20 November 2016. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  134. ^ Gallegos, Martin (18 February 2017). "Main event on MMA card in San Jose is canceled". San Jose Mercury News. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  135. ^ "Fedor Emelianko vs. Matt Mitrione to co-headline Bellator 180 in New York". MMA Fighting. 20 March 2017. Archived from the original on 21 March 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  136. ^ Okamoto, Brett (24 June 2017). "Matt Mitrione knocks out Fedor Emelianenko in wild first round". ESPN. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  137. ^ "Bellator makes 2018 heavyweight grand prix official – check out the new poster". MMAjunkie. 14 November 2017. Archived from the original on 22 November 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  138. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko vs. Frank Mir targeted for Bellator heavyweight tournament". MMA Fighting. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  139. ^ a b "Bellator 198 results: Fedor Emelianenko stuns Frank Mir with first-round TKO". MMAjunkie. 29 April 2018. Archived from the original on 29 April 2018. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  140. ^ "Федор Емельяненко: продолжу заниматься укреплением позиций Союза ММА России" (in Russian). RIA Novosti. 21 October 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  141. ^ "Bellator 208 results: Fedor Emelianenko dismantles Chael Sonnen, sets up date with Ryan Bader". CBSSports.com. 14 October 2018. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  142. ^ "Bellator 214 results: Ryan Bader destroys Fedor Emelianenko, claims second title". mmafighting.com. 26 January 2019. Archived from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  143. ^ Mike Bohn (15 June 2019). "Fedor Emelianenko not retiring, signs new multi-fight Bellator contract". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  144. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko vs. Rampage Jackson to headline Bellator Japan on Dec. 29". mmajunkie.com. 9 October 2019. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  145. ^ "Fedor". Archived from the original on 26 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  146. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko Fight Results and History". Archived from the original on 26 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  147. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (25 June 2021). "Bellator announces Fedor Emelianenko return bout on Oct. 23 in Moscow, opponent to be determined". MMA Fighting. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  148. ^ "Bellator Moscow fight card: Fedor Emelianenko set to face Tim Johnson in main event from Russia". CBSSports.com. 5 August 2021. Archived from the original on 5 August 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  149. ^ Anderson, Jay (23 October 2021). "Bellator 269 Results: Fedor Emelianenko Stops Tim Johnson With Stunning KO". Cageside Press. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  150. ^ "Bellator 290: Fedor Emelianenko set for retirement bout against Ryan Bader in February showdown on CBS". CBSSports.com. 18 November 2022. Archived from the original on 19 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  151. ^ Anderson, Jay (4 February 2023). "Bellator 290: Ryan Bader Stops Retiring Legend Fedor Emelianenko, Retains Title". Cageside Press. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  152. ^ *(6 September 2008), The Top 10 Myths About Fedor Emelianenko Archived 17 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine, Bleacher report, Retrieved 17 May 2014 − − − − − − −
  153. ^ Wells, Matthew (21 May 2023). "Khabib Nurmagomedov lists his 'MMA GOAT top 15' fighters". MMA Junkie. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  154. ^ −
    • (19 September 2014) THE VOICE VERSUS: FEDOR "...if boxing has Ali, football has Pele and basketball has Jordan; then mixed martial arts has Fedor Emelianenko..." min 0.10, AXS TV Retrieved 1 October 2014
    − − − −
  155. ^ − − − − − − −
  156. ^ − − −
  157. ^ "UFC: Brock vs Fedor only fight Dana regrets never making". 3 January 2020. Archived from the original on 3 January 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  158. ^ a b c d e f Note: Jack Slack is a notable lead analyst in the world of MMA. His articles are regularly re-posted on the UFC Website Archived 6 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine. − − −
  159. ^ Jonathan Snowden (2010). Total Mma: Inside Ultimate Fighting. ECW Press. ISBN 978-15-549033-7-5.
  160. ^ Wilcox, Nate (6 May 2009). "Igor Vovchanchyn: The Man Who Showed Fedor How to Punch". Bloody Elbow. Archived from the original on 30 January 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
  161. ^ a b "Pride Champions". PrideFC.com. Archived from the original on 24 May 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  162. ^ "Rings Title History". ProWrestlingHistory.com. Archived from the original on 21 May 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  163. ^ "Rings Misc Tournaments". ProWrestlingHistory.com. Archived from the original on 28 November 2010. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  164. ^ "Rings Title Tournaments". ProWrestlingHistory.com. Archived from the original on 7 April 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  165. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko receives WAMMA championship ring on Jan. 23". MMAJunkie.com. 7 January 2009. Archived from the original on 23 March 2009.
  166. ^ "Strength forever! Fedor Prize / Battle retirement". nikkansports.com. 21 December 2012. Archived from the original on 24 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  167. ^ Gross, Josh (28 December 2009). "SI.com's 2009 MMA Awards". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 24 September 2010.
  168. ^ Smith, Michael David (23 December 2009). "Fighter of the Decade: Fedor Emelianenko". MMAFighting.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  169. ^ a b c d "MMAFighting.com 2006 Year End Awards". MMAFighting.com. Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
  170. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko – Fighter of the Decade". FightMagazine.com. 25 December 2009. Archived from the original on 8 January 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  171. ^ Bryan Henderson (10 January 2019). "With his successful tournament performances in 2018, Emelianenko has emerged as a top heavyweight for Bellator MMA". CombatPress.com. Archived from the original on 4 February 2019. Retrieved 3 February 2019.
  172. ^ Acosta, Danny (5 January 2010). "The 10 Greatest Fighters of the Decade". FightMagazine.com. Archived from the original on 25 February 2013. Retrieved 8 December 2012.
  173. ^ "Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame: The First Class". BleacherReport.com. 5 June 2009. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014.
  174. ^ "MMA Awards of the Decade: Fighter of the Decade". BleacherReport.com. 23 December 2009. Archived from the original on 20 April 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  175. ^ "MMA Awards of the Decade: Heavyweight of the Decade". BleacherReport.com. 23 December 2009. Archived from the original on 21 April 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  176. ^ Rousseau, Robert. "Fedor Emelianenko Is The MMA Fighter of the Decade". About.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  177. ^ Cofield, Steve (30 November 2009). "The best of the decade: 10 best MMA fights". YahooSports.com. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  178. ^ Probst, Jason (13 January 2010). "Sherdog's Knockout of the Year". sherdog.com. Archived from the original on 8 February 2010. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  179. ^ Sherdog.com. "Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: The Inaugural Class - Fedor Emelianenko". Sherdog. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  180. ^ "THE WEEKLY WRAP: DEC. 26 – JAN. 1: 2009 Awards". sherdog.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  181. ^ "The Potato Awards: Best and Worst of 2009". cagepotato.com. 15 March 2010. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
  182. ^ "The Potato Awards: The Best and Worst of 2008". cagepotato.com. 13 June 2015. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
  183. ^ "Black Belt Hall of Fame Inductee Directory". Blackbeltmag.com. Archived from the original on 9 March 2009. Retrieved 24 January 2011.
  184. ^ Quadros, Stephen (November 2005) "Fedor Emelianenko: 2004 NHB Fighter of the Year". Archived from the original on 12 November 2009. Retrieved 22 May 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). Blackbeltmag.com. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
  185. ^ a b c d "FightMatrix MMA Awards". FightMatrix.com. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  186. ^ За 10 месяцев до старта II Игр Единоборств стало известно имя ПОСЛА САМБО (10 Months Before the Start of the Games Combat II Learned the Name of the Sambo Ambassador). sambo-fias.org (7 December 2012).
  187. ^ "Ambassadors". WorldCombatGames.com. Archived from the original on 31 August 2010.
  188. ^ "Hall of Fame". Sambo-FIAS.org. Archived from the original on 31 July 2020. Retrieved 2 May 2020.
  189. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko loses at 2008 World Combat Sambo Championships". MMAMania.com. 16 November 2008. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  190. ^ "Combat Sambo World Championship 2007 (100+ kg)". Sambo.com. 10 November 2007. Archived from the original on 15 July 2011.
  191. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko at Combat Sambo World Championships 2005". YouTube. 4 April 2011. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021.
  192. ^ "Before You Were Famous: Fedor". YouTube. 9 April 2011. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021.
  193. ^ "2005 Russia Combat Sambo Championship". Sambo.com. 10 June 2005. Archived from the original on 13 November 2007.
  194. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko once again becomes Combat Sambo Champion of Russia". 12 February 2007. Archived from the original on 31 January 2009.
  195. ^ "2008 Championship of Russia on combat sambo". Sambu.ru. Archived from the original on 1 March 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  196. ^ "2009 Championship of Russia on combat sambo". Sambu.ru. Archived from the original on 1 March 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  197. ^ "2012 Championship of Russia on combat sambo". Sambu.ru. Archived from the original on 8 February 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  198. ^ "Results of International Sambo Competitions "Russian Federation President's Cup" 2008". Sambo.com. 16 February 2008. Archived from the original on 27 February 2008.
  199. ^ "September 25 Championship held in Dagestan in Combat Sambo". bsambo.ru. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  200. ^ "International tournament for the Cup of the Union of Heroes of the Russian Federation". bsambo.ru. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  201. ^ "The winners of the fourth Open Moscow sambo for prizes of Honored Master of Sports of Elijah Tsipurskogo (19 April 2003)". bsambo.ru. Archived from the original on 18 April 2013. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  202. ^ a b c "Information on the Development of Physical Culture and Sports: Stary Oskol". oskol-sport.ru. Archived from the original on 26 October 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  203. ^ a b c d "Fedor Emelianenko". JudoInside.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2012.
  204. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko carries Olympic fire in Belgorod". WMMA.org. 17 January 2014. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  205. ^ "Photo: Torchbearer Fedor Emelianenko waves to crowd". 5 April 2008. Archived from the original on 9 April 2008.
  206. ^ "Федор Емельяненко удостоен премии "Слава" за джентльменское поведение (Fedor Emelianenko awarded "Glory" for a gentleman's behavior)". 25 April 2008. Archived from the original on 31 January 2009.
  207. ^ "Winners of the annual national award in the field of martial arts 'Golden Belt' 2006". rsbi.ru. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012.
  208. ^ "The Russian fighter Fedor Emelianenko mixed martial became a Knight of the Golden Order of the Romanov family of St. Nicholas II, 1 st degree ". 10 April 2010. Archived from the original on 17 June 2013.
  209. ^ "Fedor Emelianenko awarded Order of Peter the Great of the first degree". 11 November 2007. Archived from the original on 6 October 2011.
  210. ^ "Награда… за патриотизм (The award .. for patriotism )". 8 June 2007. Archived from the original on 21 September 2010.
  211. ^ "Емельяненко: "Крым сделал правильный выбор, присоединившись к России". Видео". XSPORT.ua. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  212. ^ "Чемпион по ММА Емельяненко: в Крыму откроют Федерацию смешанных единоборств". aif.ua. 20 May 2014. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  213. ^ "Федор Емельяненко: Украина воюет с собственным народом - ПолитНавигатор". Политнавигатор - Новости Украины и России. Archived from the original on 4 January 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  214. ^ "Федор Емельяненко: "Убивать русских только потому, что они русские, это – фашизм" » Спорт XL - правильный сайт о спорте!". sport-xl.net. Archived from the original on 5 October 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  215. ^ "Федор Емельяненко Интервью (Fedor Emelianenko Interview)". Archived from the original on 31 January 2009. Retrieved 13 December 2009. Фёдор: ...А теперь у меня новая семья. С Мариной мы знакомы достаточно давно, и вот, как уже многие знают, 29 декабря у нас родилась дочь. (Fedor: ... And now I have a new family. Marina, we know quite a long time, and now, as many know, December 29, we have a daughter.)
  216. ^ ЛУЧШИЙ БОЕЦ МИРА ПО ВЕРСИИ Чака НОРРИСА (in Russian). Sport Express. 23 January 2008. Archived from the original on 28 February 2011. Retrieved 19 February 2009.
  217. ^ "Сегодня Фёдор и Марина Емельяненко обвенчались (Today Fedor Emelianenko and Marina were married)". Archived from the original on 7 October 2009. Retrieved 13 December 2009.
  218. ^ Malinowski, Scoop (17 October 2006). "The Biofiles: Fedor Emelianenko". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on 8 November 2006. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  219. ^ "Православие и мир "Федор Емельяненко: "В России за меня молились мои соотечественники. Это победа их – не моя" " Печать". Pravmir.ru. 10 November 2009. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  220. ^ Episcopal Choir of the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese (Архиерейский хор Нижегородской епархии) (formed 2003), album released in 2006. The song is on the bonus track, nr. 20."Архиерейский хор Нижегородской Епархии (2006) » Скачать бесплатно, без регистрации книги, фильмы, аудио и видеокурсы, учебники. Рожденный в СССР". Archived from the original on 22 February 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  221. ^ "Video: Fedor back to 1st wife, dances at wedding". 27 March 2014. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  222. ^ * Fedor Emelianenko – Last Emperor Archived 14 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine, beautifulrus.com, Retrieved, 19 May 2014
    • (October 2009), King without a crown Archived 20 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine, "M-1's vice president of fighter relations says, "He doesn't want to speak English. He's forced to. He has to." When I ask if Fedor realizes how much that limits his drawing potential in the West, Echteld shrugs. "He doesn't want to be a star," he says.", Fight! Magazine, Retrieved 20 May 2014
    • (9 November 2009), Fedor Emelianenko: A CBS Showcase of Family, Faith, and a Russian Fighter. Archived 20 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine, "To the Russians who know him, Fedor is not a god of MMA, but a humble man of God. Neither Fedor nor his fellow Russians will put him above God. That is very wise of them. American MMA fans, or perhaps I should specify, UFC fans, make gods out of men whom they feel are unstoppable. To my knowledge, Fedor Emelianenko has never claimed to be a great or unstoppable man. He is devoutly Russian Orthodox.", Bleacher Report, Retrieved 20 May 2014
    • Exclusive Interview with Fedor Emelianenko Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine, "Having spoken with Fedor, through all the fame and fan response, the man still remains humble and aware that he is simply human. He is aware that on any day he can lose a fight just as easily as the next man. I think the persona and presence which he brings to the sport is what catches the attention of the fans. We all connect with Fedor because he fights the fight and still points out his flaws and remains humble. ", mmasportsmag.com, Retrieved 20 May 2014
    • (15 February 2011), With Fedor out, Strikeforce tournament finds itself on the ropes Archived 20 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine, "I was at the hotel's lobby," said [BigFoot] Silva, "and I talked to him and asked him not to stop fighting because he still have many things to show to the fans and that people still wanted to see him on the cage. And, after that, the guy came and kissed my forehead. Get it? He's a wonderful guy, and everybody wants to see the best of all times in a good shape. He's all about being humble.", Sports Illustrated, Retrieved 20 May 2014
  223. ^ (5 Feb 2010), Fedor Emelianenko: MMA Legend/ Exemplary Christian, Yahoo! Voices, Retrieved 19 May 2014
  224. ^ "Don't be scared, homie: How intimidation plays a role in combat sports". 5 January 2011. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  225. ^ Kogan, Evgeni (9 April 2008). "Fedor Carries Olympic Torch in St. Petersburg". Sherdog. Archived from the original on 27 August 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  226. ^ "Федор Емельяненко на Новый год сделает из японца салат оливье - Newsland". Федор Емельяненко на Новый год сделает из японца салат оливье на портале Newsland. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  227. ^ "Фёдор Емельяненко". kinoafisha.ua. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  228. ^ Ярослав КОРОБАТОВ, Сайт «Комсомольской правды» (16 December 2011). "Федор Емельяненко на Новый год сделает из японца салат оливье". Kp.ru -. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  229. ^ "Emelianenko hospitalized due to COVID-19". ESPN.com. 21 January 2021. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  230. ^ MMA Weekly Staff (27 January 2021). "Fedor Emelianenko released from hospital following COVID-19 battle". Yahoo Sports. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 28 January 2021.

Notes

  1. ^ Russian: Фёдор Влади́мирович Емелья́ненко, romanized: Fyodor Vladimirovich Yemelyanenko, IPA: [ˈfʲɵdər vlɐˈdʲimʲɪrəvʲɪtɕ jɪmʲɪˈlʲjænʲɪnkə];[8]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fedor Emelianenko.
New championship 1st WAMMA Heavyweight Champion
19 July 2008 – c. 2010 		Incumbent
Preceded by 2nd PRIDE Heavyweight Champion
16 March 2003 – c. 2007 		Incumbent
Vacant
Title last held by
Gilbert Yvel 		5th RINGS Openweight Champion
11 August 2001 – c. 2003 		Incumbent
Retrieved from "https://wiki.riteme.site/w/index.php?title=Fedor_Emelianenko&oldid=1257550466"