Russian MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko opened up about the moral tension between his Orthodox Christian faith and his career in combat sports during a candid interview at a training camp in Kislovodsk. The former heavyweight champion is preparing for an upcoming boxing match against Mirko Cro Cop and addressed the spiritual dilemma that has followed him throughout his career.
He shared a story about Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk‘s encounter with an elder at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery.
“The elder asked Usyk, and he answered. And at the end, the elder says: ‘But how can we beat you if we have a commandment like this: love your neighbor as yourself?'”
Emelianenko said Usyk replied that a priest had blessed him to compete “with love.”
Emelianenko took a different view and was more direct about the contradiction within his profession.
“That’s how it will be for us with love, which is impossible with love in our sport, because if not you, then you.”
He acknowledged a fundamental conflict between combat sports and Christian teachings.
“Our sports are not pleasing to God, because love your neighbor as yourself we injure, we hit people on the head very harshly.”
In another moment of self-awareness he admitted that athletes in his position often rationalize their path.
“We don’t live according to the commandments but according to our own desires.”
“Much to my regret.”
The interview was recorded during an intensive training camp where Emelianenko is preparing for his boxing match against Cro Cop which is scheduled for March in Belgrade. The 47 year old MMA star is working with trainer Mikhail Galov on footwork and movement which shows he remains committed to high level preparation even while grappling with deep spiritual concerns.
