Russian MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko said that he would never retire from the sport like Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Fedor Emelianenko claims his bout at Bellator 290 will be his last. However, he is aware that he will never be able to retire from the sport entirely like former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Both made a lasting impression on the sport even after retiring from active combat. Additionally, they are still connected to it. Nurmagomedov’s domination and undefeated record and Emelianenko’s abilities and perseverance in the ring have cemented their places in MMA history.
Both of these MMA legends have continued to be active in the sport by training, teaching, and mentoring upcoming athletes. Recently, Khabib Nurmagomedov stunned the world by declaring his decision to stop traveling and spend more time in Dagestan, to be with his family.
At the Bellator 290 news conference, Emelianenko spoke about his life beyond the ring. He said the following:
“Of course, I’ll be involved still because I have my team. These guys are like family to me. I will try to do my best and help them in any way I can. All my life I was in sport. The sport is part of my life. The sport is in my blood. ”
Many people believe that Fedor Emelianenko is the best heavyweight mixed martial arts (MMA) pro of all time.
Emelianenko has accumulated an incredible record of 27 straight victories over the course of a career spanning more than two decades. He demonstrated his domination in organizations like PRIDE, Rings, Strikeforce, and Bellator.
However, the 46-year-old has never participated in the UFC despite his accomplishments because of differences with its President Dana White. Emelianenko’s manager went so far as to say that he felt UFC was negotiating with him in order to destroy his legacy.
Emelianenko’s legacy in the sport is distinguished by his memorable finishes and his durability as a dominating force in the heavyweight class. He will live on in the memories of fans and fellow competitors alike.
The MMA world will be saying goodbye to a great icon of the sport with his last bout against Ryan Bader at Bellator 290.