Fedor Emelianenko is expected to announce tomorrow that he is returning to action later this year, sources say. Opponent TBD. Slated for October. The 44-year-old legend hasn’t fought since his December 2019 win over Rampage Jackson. Presser set for 11 am et.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 24, 2021
As a fan of Fedor from his days in PrideFC I’m conflicted on how I feel about this. On one hand it’s cool that Fedor is being introduced to a newer and bigger audience. On the other hand his last couple of showings in the Bellator cage have been a mixed bag.
Wins over an out of shape Rampage Jackson, Frank Mir, and Chael Sonnen would make some think Fedor may have some thinking Fedor isn’t past his prime. However brutal KO losses to Ryan Bader and Matt Mitrione were enough for me to say “I don’t want to see Fedor fight again.”
Seeing a guy who used to murk people back in his prime become the murked does not make me feel good. For the unaware here’s a few highlights from Fedor’s heyday.
Yeah this man used to be a goddamn killer!
That’s why again I can’t get myself hyped to see him return.
Bellator will either match Fedor up with a top heavyweight that has a very good chance of beating him. Or we will see him matched up with someone well below him not only in name value but talent as well. Either way it doesn’t scream “MUST SEE TV” like Bellator was hoping it would.
Regardless I wish Fedor the best!
Featured Image Via Asian MMA