Fedor Emelianenko stands as a monumental figure in the world of combat sports. Despite never gracing the UFC octagon, he boasts victories over iconic former UFC champions like Frank Mir, Rampage Jackson, and Mark Coleman.
Notably, even MMA luminaries like Daniel Cormier recognize him as the GOAT in the heavyweight division of the sport’s history.
During the UFC 291 weigh-ins this past summer, Daniel Cormier touched upon the subject of the formidable Russian combatant. Alongside Belal Muhammad and Din Thomas, the trio unanimously concluded that former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko secured his place as the greatest Russian combatant ever.
Belal Muhammed posed a hypothetical to Daniel Cormier, asking how he would fare against the legendary Fedor Emelianenko. Surprisingly candid, the UFC commentator conceded that he would have lost the match.
Belal Muhammad asked Daniel Cormier about a dream showdown with Fedor Emelianenko at the UFC 291 weigh-ins earlier this summer. He said: “Question, prime ‘DC’ versus prime Fedor, who wins? The best American fighter of all time, against your best Russian fighter of all time. What would your strategy be?””
DC responded honestly, “He was good, he was really good. I think he might’ve got me, I think he might’ve got me. [Shrugs] He was good man, yeah. You always put the other man over.”
Regrettably for combat sports enthusiasts, the long-awaited clash between Daniel Cormier and Fedor Emelianenko remained a what-if scenario. But the PRIDE icon has recently forged a partnership with the UFC, solidifying his presence in their fifth installment of the EA game.