MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko has publicly called for enhanced testing protocols at Russian promotion RCC, following Alexander Shlemenko’s recent victory over Anatoly Tokov.
In a social media post, Emelianenko congratulated Shlemenko while simultaneously raising concerns about testing procedures: “Congratulations to Alexander Shlemenko! I think this is the highest achievement in his career to defeat Anatoly Tokov by split decision, even in the condition Anatoly was in. Now your score is 1-1. And it’s time for RCC to start testing fighters for d*ping.”
The timing of Emelianenko’s comments is particularly noteworthy given Shlemenko’s history with PED violations. In 2015, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) suspended Shlemenko for three years and fined him $10,000 after he tested positive following Bellator 133. His test revealed a testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio of 50-to-1, which UCLA lab director Anthony Butch testified was unprecedented in clean athletes, stating, “I’ve never had a T/E ratio of 50-1 that didn’t confirm [synthetic] testosterone use.”
Shlemenko, now 40, recently secured a split decision victory over Tokov at RCC 21 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The judges scored the bout 30-27 and 29-28 for Shlemenko, with one judge seeing it 29-28 for Tokov. The victory marked Shlemenko’s fifth consecutive win and evened the score between the two, as Tokov had previously defeated him at Bellator 208.
Following the loss, Tokov expressed interest in a third bout, stating, “Something was off in my preparation. But it’s okay – we will learn from this, fix all mistakes. It was an even fight. I want a rematch. I will take Alexander down in the rematch, I’m sure of it.”
Emelianenko’s call for enhanced testing measures has sparked renewed discussion about PED testing protocols in Russian MMA promotions.
MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko roasts Dana White’s body transformation: My workout burns, I have never been on a diet
In a recent interview, mixed martial arts legend Fedor Emelianenko took a subtle jab at UFC President Dana White’s remarkable body transformation. When asked about White’s significant weight loss and improved physique, the former Pride FC heavyweight champion seemed unimpressed.
Emelianenko, known for his stoic demeanor and no-nonsense approach, dismissed the idea of intentionally altering his body weight. “I don’t have anything to do with stupid things,” he said, implying that White’s extreme body transformation was an unnecessary endeavor.
The Russian fighter, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history, emphasized that his focus is solely on training and maintaining a natural weight that allows him to perform at his best. “I’m not going to lose weight or gain weight on purpose,” Emelianenko stated, adding, “I’m going to lose my weight and breathe normally during the training.”
While acknowledging White’s impressive physical transformation, Emelianenko appeared to question the long-term sustainability of such drastic measures. “You are in great shape, but what about your future?” he asked, hinting at potential concerns about the effects of extreme weight fluctuations on one’s health and longevity.
Emelianenko’s comments highlight the contrast between his own approach to training and physical conditioning and White’s recent dedication to a strict diet and exercise regimen. While White has embraced the pursuit of a leaner, more athletic physique, Emelianenko seems content with maintaining a more natural state, prioritizing functional fitness over aesthetic goals.
The MMA legend’s remarks serve as a reminder that different fighters and individuals may have varying perspectives on body transformations, with some prioritizing performance over appearance, and others willing to go to greater lengths to achieve a specific physical ideal.
