The Countdown: Five most important fights in Fedor Emelianenko's career
Posted on June 4, 2012, 03:54 PM by Daniel Cassidy
On June 21st, a true Mixed Martial Arts legend takes to the cage for the final time. In less than three weeks time, Fedor Emelianenko fights Pedro Rizzo, in his retirement fight. Although recent losses may have harmed his legacy, Emelianenko is arguably the greatest MMA Heavyweight of all time, and is well worth considering when debating who is the Greatest fighter of all time. During his reign in Japan under PRIDE FC organization, no fighter was ever more feared, no titan more dreaded than "The Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko. During a stellar 12 year career, he held almost every title possible for a non-UFC fighter to hold. Consistently regarded as the greatest fighter of the PRIDE era, Emelianenko leaves a massive legacy. one no other fighter may come close to. With his impending retirement, it seems the best time to look back at The Five Most Important Fights in the Career of Fedor Emelianenko.
5. Fedor vs. Tim Sylvia
Affliction: Banned (2008)
Following the win over Hong Man Choi, many questioned Fedor's desire, fighting an unranked opponent for "entertainment purposes" the previous New Year's Eve. Despite the opportunity of a UFC contract, Fedor instead returned in a bout against highly ranked Former UFC Champion Tim Sylvia under the Affliction banner. Many saw this as his first real test since the height of his PRIDE fame, and Fedor answered the critics with a devastating performance that saw him take just 36 seconds to put away "The Mainiac". Starting off from the bell, Emelianenko secured a collar tie, delivering punishing uppercuts and dropping his opponent before finishing him via rear naked choke. The bout would be the first of his two fights for Affliction.
4. Fedor vs. Fabricio Werdum
Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum (2010)
While the previous entry might have been one of his high points, this fight was the first real low point, but an important one. Coming into this fight following the brutal demolition of Brett Rogers, Emelianenko entered as a heavy favorite. Starting strongly, Fedor caught Werdum early, dropping his opponent to the matt, before following him there looking for a finish. The next few seconds shocked MMA fans the world over, as Werdum expertly used his black belt in BJJ, catching Emelianenko in a tight armbar-triangle combination, forcing a tap after just 69 seconds. In those 69 seconds one of the greatest reigns in MMA history came to an end with a simple tap. His ten year undefeated streak ended in little over a minute.
3. Fedor vs. Mark Coleman
PRIDE Total Elimination (2004)
Coming a few fights after defeating "Big Nog" for the PRIDE Heavyweight Championship, Fedor shocked many when he entered the 2004 PRIDE HW tournament. Drawn against veteran and former PRIDE champ Mark Coleman in the opening round, Fedor and Coleman both started tentatively, with a feeling of almost mutual respect. Coleman shoots and gets the takedown, immediately searching for a rear naked choke, unsuccessfully. Following a quick stand up battle, Coleman again shoots, this time putting Emelianenko on his back, until "The Last Emperor" locks in a fight ending armbar. In little over 2 minutes, Coleman effectively passed the torch to the younger fighter.
2. Fedor vs. Cro Cop
PRIDE Final Conflict 2005
In a career defining war, both Mirko Cro Cop and Fedor Emelianenko entered MMA history for their HW title bout at PRIDE's Final Conflict 2005. Still to this day considered one of the greatest fights of all time, both fighters were viewed as equals in terms of skills. While Fedor held the edge on the ground, Cro Cop clearly held the advantage in the stand up. However, instead of looking for the takedown, Emelianenko elected to stand with the K1 star for the majority of the fight. Following 3 rounds of action and excitement, Fedor unanimously defeated his Croatian opponent to retain the title. The bout is considered one of PRIDE's finest, and is a standout point for both fighters in their respective careers.
1. Fedor vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
PRIDE Shockwave 2004
As far as epic bouts go, this could be considered the staple for comparisons, but remains, to me at least, the most important fight of Fedor Emelianenko's career. Despite at this stage already holding a win over "Big Nog", some still considered it a fluke, and, when both met at the finals of the PRIDE 2004 HW tournament, the match ended by "No Contest" due to an accidental head-butt. The rematch had more at stake than ever, with both PRIDE Heavyweight tournament and official title up for grabs. With both men so easily matched, a winner was hard to pick, but after three epic rounds of serious nonstop action, Emelianenko emerged the winner, crowned the true PRIDE heavyweight champion, and on that night, the best heavyweight in the world.
When Fedor does hang up the gloves for good, it will truly mark the end of an era. For 12 years he has been one of the most enigmatic, most mysterious MMA fighters who captured the hearts of fans the world over. Fedor will always be remembered as "The Last Emperor", and one of the true greats of MMA's history.
Comments
Why is this retard still talked about, big deal he beat a bunch of UFC rejects and freakshows who belong in the circus. I dont understand why you people worship him, Its not like he is Anderson Silva.
It's this lack of respect for one of the greatest of all time that shows your immaturity towards the sport. Ask any current fighter and they'll tell you just how much respect they have for Fedor and just how much he impacted their career.
My advice for you? Learn some respect and do your homework before you open your mouth again.
"'Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln
Preach!
Nah ripstic is right! All these dumptrucks in this piece dont know dat Silva clowns this foo Fedor! Aint nobody good enough compared to Silva. He the best and clowns all rest of da dumptrucks in MMA and make dem look foolish!
But I hope one day Silva clowns my big ol booty hole. Dat be magically delicious like dat dare Lucky Charms Leprakaun
:)
Yeah by a TRT user,
Hehe what a shame to be born without brain...i know is not ur fault but is now ur problem.
I like your words Kendo......A little harsh but true...
For a long time I was a Fedor fan, but the sport evolved and I dont feel he did. Most high level or top 10 fighters in any mma weight class need (3)areas of profeciency....stand up/wrestling/juJitsu....
I believe that is why fedor had those devastating loses in he last few years. NO ONE can dispute that Fedor's last few fights have been with guys who are not even close to top level guys. Not to mention (1) of his past lose was against Hendo is a beast at middleweight. However Big Foot and Weirdum loses painted us a big picture of Fedor. He is not all that. I think his Russian management has screwed him over, and because they are the good ol boys from Russia is why he hasn't kicked their ass to the curb. But that is his own fault.
Lastly, He should of retired with dignity last year as a legend, but he continues to fight hasbeens or no names in this sport.
I'll go as far as to say you make good point but the reason he's a legend in my eyes is because he helped the evolution of the sport by mixing stand up with ground game while most fighters were one trick pony's. The fighters today are way better then they were, that's obvious. But Fedor has been good enough to face the fighters he helped build in turn being defeated by himself having taught so many, so much. Fedor is not a top contender but has earned his status as a legend of the sport. Thanks for reading.
If mathematics yet conserve their values, you can not be older than 13
@Kendo. Dan is not a cheater. What he is however is the same size as Fedor minus some fat. Both of those guys fought stupid and Fedor's chin gave first. That fight proves nothing one way or the other. If you had any clue about combat and physiology you wouldn't make this argument. The fact of the matter is you have to be stupid not to appreciate what Fedor has done over the years. I can't stand the guy as a person ( hate religious zealots) but as a fighter I don't see how one can help but be a fan.
I got that man. I was agreeing with you on that point.
You're a fool son. Take that Dana's D*** out of your mouth,and go back to school to learn proper English.
Well im sure if you put Anderson Silva oppenents in front on Fedor....Fedor would rip them apart with the exception of Dan Henderson. if you take a close look and AS oppenents would realize they are not high calliber fighters except maybe 2 or 3.
1. Okami....lol
2.Vitor
3. Chael
4. Maia
5. Griffin
6. Leites
7.Cote
8.Irvin
9. Henderson
10. Franklin X2
11. Lutter
12. Leiben
You Gotta be a f***ing beast to beat these guys.....NOT. Fedor would rip them all but Hendo....These oppenents are not as high calliber as Fedors. Sorry but AS is not a higher caliber fighter when it comes to oppenents.
A life...
GET ONE
@Kendo
U f*cking dumb bro?
Lol...fair enough, kendo. I guess that answers my question.
That is a who's who of MW. Also, Fedor would likely destroy Hendo if he fought smart. He lost because he went blow for blow with him thinking his chin was better.
It's also a different weight class. He would rip though most of those guys, but Vitor, Rich, and Forrest in their primes would certainly be a decent fight and they are middleweights.
They are most certainly the same caliber if you ranked them head by head with guys Fedor beat at HW.
Vitor was a HW at one time, no? Not that it matters.
lol
Maybe you should change your name to dipstic5021. Also, please get yourself spayed/neutered, we do not need dumfvcks like you reproducing and spreading your stupidity across the aeons.
LMAO...
Even the great Anderson Silva lost twice in PrideFc. The last emperor Fedor is undefeated heavyweight legend who ruled PrideFC. 10 years of domination,for all hail to the last emperor Fedor GOAT!!
FEDOR IS THE BEST SHUT UP !
M1 had an orgasm reading this.
51 weaks that has to be some type of record.
You've obviously never seen him fight!! Done even bother, you wont understand.
thats some serious hate you got there
Yeah I hear dat brotha man! All these dumptrucks in this piece dont know dat Silva clowns this foo!
But I hope one day Silva clowns my big ol booty hole. Dat be magically delicious like dat dare Lucky Charms Leprakaun
*Dont.
@ripstic - Are you getting payed to say stupid shit like you just did??? that could be the only logical explanation - if not you are just clinicaly retarded...
He is retarded btw. How does this make you feel picking on a mongoloid.
Fedor >Anderson and I am ****ing Brasilian you stupid ****...
****ing Brasilian? or just Brasilian?
But Chael told us Brazilians dont like Anderson.
Honorable mention to the first fight between Fedor and Nog. That's the fight that established Fedor as a true force in the heavyweight division against an opponent many people at the time thought he had no chance of beating. The best thing about that fight was that it was fought mostly on the ground and yet Fedor avoided all of Nog's submissions and landed some amazing gnp.
IMO he is currently the GOAT, that will change for me if Silva beats Sonnen though.
If you think he is the GOAT or not it doesn't matter because either way he will be remembered forever as one of the best fighters ever, a legend, a myth and even the last emperor of Pride and Japanese MMA.
As much respect as I have for Fedor, whether it be down to his management or not I will always be disappointed he never came to the UFC. He may have beaten Brock and became the official baddest man on the planet or lose himself but I think his last days in the sport would be a lot more dignified and respected than how he is ending his career now.
Maybe you are right, but during Fedor's prime, there were no relevant HWs in the UFC except Couture. Fedor past his prime in 2007-2008 and at that time JDS or Cain were unknown. If you compare today's HW in the UFC like JDS or Cain in their prime, Fedor cannot compete with them, although, I still think he can give them a lot of trouble. I don't count Brock as "could have been" a good addition to Fedor's legacy, since Brock went down so fast just like Tim Silvia. For his time, Fedor is the greatest!
It's an awful pity Fedor never got to the UFC a few years back. I've no doubts he'd have shut all the haters up. He's doing the right thing in fairness. I doubt he'd make No.1 challenger for the HW title in UFC these days. He'll be fondly remembered for many many years & possibly forever by all the REAL MMA fans who truly understand his accomplishments & the humble, respectful man that he is.
Best of luck Fedor (The Last Emperor)
Fedor's contribution is tremendous to MMA. I can't remember any of his fights there were boring. He always went for a kill.
He csn probably still beat 1/2 of the UFC HWs today (if him and his management would take that road) Hes paid his dues, and you just cant race an older Porsche against formula one now days.
Wait until M1 Gangster sees this thread, it should make his week. 8))
Thank you for the memories, in your prime you would have given any current heavyweight a good fight and probably been ufc heavyweight champion of the world.
I am sad to see this. While I will grant that there are fighters that could beat him in the UFC I still fully believe that an in shape and motivated Fedor could beat them on any given night as well. The Fedor that was beaten 3 fights in a row was out of shape. He must see that he has no chance of getting into the UFC and that there are no relevant fights outside of it. Either that or he is just done with it. He has had a long and amazing career. Thank you for the years of spectacular fights Fedor and good luck in your future endeavors. You will be missed.
@HunterB - your mother prefers ****ing Brasilian...
That was not called for.
Cooking?
Greatest HW to compete in MMA thus far. Great wins over great opponents. The only people that are ahead of him the all-time list are GSP and Anderson.
It'll take a dominant run by somebody like JDS, or Cain to unseed him. A prime Fedor vs. prime (name any other HW here) would have been amazing to watch. It still sucks we never got Fedor-Couture.
Great read btw Dan.
@ Entity - Hunter seems ok..but he gave too much of an oppening for me to pass.
That was pretty good Brasil lol
Fedor was the best and cold still challenge the best. Imagine what he could do with the UFC hype machine pumping him up?
I agree with Evan. Great article Dan.
I'm not a big Fedor fan but the Fedor anti-fans have to understand that in the context of the era in which he was fighting, what he accomplished was amazing. Yes he doesn't measure up today but who from that era does? Tito? Chuck? Tim Silvia? Arlovski? Mir?
GSP, Rory McDonald, Anderson Silva - these guys are more complete fighters. Most of today's elite have no holes in their game. They are skilled in all aspects. Those who are not like Silva are true phenoms (not just by nick name). Nobody from Fedor's era stands up to the modern elite fighter. Father time makes sure of that.
In the spirit of martial arts, and I think this part of the tradition is worth keeping, past masters are respected for what they accomplished in their day. We all know Bruce Lee could have beaten up an elderly Ip Man - but he didn't.
The internet anonymity encourages a giving up of classiness and manners and the adoption of disrespect for peers and past heroes like Fedor. For shame.
Eat your words then. No holes in their game?? LOL.
@ minkontrolle - what I mean is guys like Rory do not say I am a Sambo fighter or a wrestler or a BJJ artist or a boxer they train in all aspect and see it all as one. I don't mean they are perfect but that they are not as unidirectional as the last generation. Do you follow?
I follow. The sport has evolved well beyond individual disciplines, even though Fedor had everything and was one of the first to be well rounded in a modern sense- grappling, submissions and strikes. To me it's mainly about what you said before, that time takes its toll no matter who you are (the exception may be Hendo). It is because of this that I personally don't understand the criticism of Fedor as "inferior" put out so often by the younger fans.
well said!!
Look at the passion on this thread! Love him or hate him he is a legend and should be respected. Btw did the first comment this thread set a record for ”Weaks”?
I think so.
Also one thing that i've always wondered about, but i think or want to say at least.
First, i want to say i think Fedor is a badass and what he accomplished may never be duplicated...
and i think it was impressive in tis own right, without hyping it up even more as it always have been done...
He hasn't been UNDEFEATED for 10 or more years, he lost to cuts!!!!
And then people say, but he was winning before that...
So what, a cut is perfectly legal way to win a fight, even if its not popular....
Guess why you use elbows..... Primaraly to cut the guy and hopefully get a stoppage or give hime problems too see well and perform.
Its a legal win, and when you say thats it really doesn't count then you disresoect the guy he actually LOST to!!!!!!
He LOST, and WAS NOT undefeated for all those years....
But EVEN SO..... What he DID was IMPRESSIVE ENOUGH to go in to history books as MAYBE the greatest ever, or at least ONE of the greatest ever!!!!!!
Just don't say that he was undefeated, because he wasn't!!!!!!!
Fedor lost to the cut because it was a tournament and they needed someone to advance. And elbows were ILLEGAL in that organization, but since fedor couldnt continue in the tournament due to the cut, they gave him a loss. It would have been a DQ.
You havent even seen the fight or know the rules of that org, cuz then you would know "these people" are idiots for saying he was winning before that because the cut happened within the first few seconds of the fight.
Im sure you understand now why people are saying it doesnt really count.
And im pretty sure the primary use of the elbow is to hurt your opponent.
Of course it is to hurt the other guy, but how many knockouts compared to punches. The primary function of elbows is to hurt you, but also to cut the opponent....
And dude, i have all PRIDE tournaments and superfights so don't even go there.
And i said, he is awesome and i respect even though i don't think he is relevant anymore.
But he wasn't undefeated, he LOST plain and simple.... To cuts....
Its a bitch thats life....
I'm sure that if you ask Fedor himself HE wouldn't disrespect his opponent by saying it wasnt a loss. It was, thats it.
Respect to him and good luck to whatever he may decide to do in his life.
Oh you have all the pride superfights and tournament? Then you should know the cut he suffered was due to a headbutt and turned to a No Contest not a loss.
The loss from the cut didnt happen in Pride, it happened before in a different organization. You clearly dont even have any knowledge of what youre talking about, just babbling on about a loss.
I dont understand these noobs that disrespect fedor and his legacy. Have they even seen fedor fight? I suggest they go do that first then maybe they will realize what kind of a beast of a monster fedor was.
He has nearly 25 finishes in 33 fights, thats more than half of his fights. Thats more finishes than some of the fighters have fights.
He comes to finish you, doesnt care where the fight goes. He beats people in their own game. He beat the best striker in crocop in standup, he followed the best sub artist big nog to the ground and destroyed him. This is what truely made him the very best fighter. Not even anderson silva dares to do that. Fedor fought with skills beyond his time.
People shouldnt say he faced a bunch of over the hill bums like coleman, crocop or even tim cuz they may be done now but he fought them when they were the best, in their prime. Pride is more brutal than Ufc. The fight game eveloves and age catches up to you, its only understandable to lose at some point. But talk to any actual mma fighter or even look up how much mma respects fedor and his achievements.
Good luck Fedor in your final bout.