No Stranger to Danger
Posted on February 10, 2011, 07:08 AM by Anton GurevichFedor Emelianenko will make his long-anticipated return to Mixed Martial Arts this weekend, facing no other than the Brazilian heavy-hitter Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva. The fight will open the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, as the winner is expected to advance into the semi-finals against either Alistair Overeem or Fabricio Werdum.
The fight between Emelianenko and Antonio Silva is another classic "Fedor Fight". Once again, "The Last Emperor" is facing a significantly larger opponent, who's all overall looks physically superior to the Russian. Silva will be four inches taller than Fedor, and probably around 45 pounds heavier. On top of that, Bigfoot will enjoy a huge eight-inch reach advantage, which could be a deadly tool during the fight.
The thing about Fedor is that he's an overweight Light Heavyweight, who made a career out of fighting bigger guys. And the victories against fighters such as Semmy Schilt, Gary Goodridge, Zuluzinho, Tim Sylvia, Hong Man Choi, Brett Rogers and many others is a perfect example. Yes, skill level between these fighters was different, but the result was quite the same.
Fedor's incredible hands speed and the thunderous punching power are a key factor against any Heavyweight in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. By nature, Fedor is faster than most of his opponents, as what first seems as a significant disadvantage, quickly becomes a deadly weapon. Combination of elite grappling skills makes "The Last Emperor" one of the most complete fighters in the sport today.
The only thing that can raise questions is Fedor's decision not to make changes in his training camp. Of course, you don't change the winning tactic. However, many people will suggest that it was Emelianenko's decision not to train alongside top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts, which played a vital part behind defeat against Werdum. And even after the fight against Fabricio Werdum, "The Last Emperor" did not change anything within his training camp. He's still training with relatively small Heavyweights, while the likes of Shane Carwin are staying at home.
Silva coming to this fight at the prime time of his career. The Brazilian proved a lot during his recent performances under the Strikeforce banner, and will surely look to make a statement against someone like Fedor. Holding Black Belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Karate, Bigfoot definitely has the required skill set to deliver "The Last Emperor" his second straight defeat. But still, unfortunately for Silva, he doesn't have something Fedor never faced throughout is Mixed Martial Arts career.
The fight on Saturday night will be a very important proving ground for both men. Antonio Silva will look to solidify his spot as a Top 10 fighter in the world, while Fedor will look to demonstrate once again why he's considered by many as "The Baddest Man on the Planet".
Photos: Strikeforce.com
Comments
Seening Fedor throwing people around like rugdolls never get boring!
Fedor look bigger and more cut, than his last fight
He probably didn't change his training camp even after the lost to Werdum because he probably believes that lost was more his doing then Werdum's.
I'm ready to see Fedor drop Bigfoot with a one hitter quitter.
Aren't we all? It's gonna be so awesome to see Fedor crush. Again.
Can't wait for this fight. I want to to him win this tournament.
Anton, great post.
SPEED KILLS......FEDOR is KING.
Is there any news in this? What was the point of this post?...
Ну что ребята. Осталось совсем немного. Федор! Вперед!
Fedor will be in the final
He shrugs big guys off of him so easily, and it's all with just his hips and shoulders. I love the fact that he conserves his energy and only uses his explosiveness when it's needed.
Side note, there are a few clips of him training with Jacare. Although it seems to me that Fedor was teaching Jacare rather then the latter.
It's really impressive. He has what we call "man strength" haha.
althetes? Look at the size of them this video is like watching an episode of fat camp
And any of those guys will kill you with one punch, ain´t that a bitch...
the B O would knock me out before they got a chance
You know what sucks? Is that there's such a lack of decent MMA journalists/writers out there, that we are forced to read the same god damn Fedor "Most dominant MMA fighter of all time blah blah blah" and GSP "Why he's the best ever womp womp womp"...How about a lil ingenuity folks?
This is one post among many that you were in no way forced to read. Its a relevant article concerning Saturday's event and the upcoming and ongoing heavyweight tournament. Get a clue please!
Also, this site has a section called 2.0 that allows users, such as yourself, to post their own work. Why don't you give it a shot if you think you can do better than all of the current journalists out there? Yea, I didnt think so.
Hopefully you remain stuck in that triangle until you are choked unconscious.
wonderful :)
He loves fighting the bigger guys, he takes them out either young Tyson style or invites them into his guard and subs them. It'd be interesting to see him against Cain, a average-sized heavy weight with unreal speed and skill. That's just a dream match-up. I just wish it comes true. I'll go crazy.
IF Cain wans to fight the top competition he shuld go to SF.UFC HW devision sucks Lesnar is fighting for interim belt after being smashed in his last two fights.I see Fedor winning the SF turnament no HW fighter punches like him teh only way he can loose from Silva is submition or TKO from cut