Fedor Emelianenko ~ Ready To Fight With Anyone

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Saturday’s bout with Werdum, which is certain to be one of the most watched fights across the world, as are most of Emelianenko’s bouts, will especially be important to his native Russia. Emelianenko’s only emotional display comes when the topic of who he’s fighting for is approached. While many fighters nobly fight for their families, their gyms, or for their art in general, Fedor fights for his country and the millions of people that look up him as not only a competitor, or a citizen, but as a man. And when so many athletes and public figures go to great lengths to avoid the trappings of people who look up to them or follow their examples, Emelianenko embraces the challenge, much like he does any opponent. “I consider myself a role model, and could never separate myself from my motherland. I represent my country and defend the honor of Russia and encourage my teammates and fellow fighters to follow the path I have forged.”

The soft spoken and deeply religious superstar is passionate about his role as a leader and how his religion is a factor in his fighting career. “It’s just a feeling whether you should do something or not. And to keep the faith and be with your God. I do mixed martial arts to represent my country and defend the honor of Russia in this sport, in the arenas all over the globe, with my teammates. Our Russian Orthodox Church supports me, and the blessing for the upcoming fight given to me by Patriarch Kirill inspires me.”

Throughout his career Emelianenko has certainly had a litany of great fights. Whether it were the recent knockout victories over Sylvia, Arlovski, the now famous Brett Rogers knockout, or past fights with champions Ricardo Arona, “Babalu” Sobral, Kevin Randleman, Mark Coleman, or Matt Lindand, Emelianenko has stood well above his competition. However, Fedor points to two opponents as his favorites, “There are two: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mirko Crocop.” While one would think that one of his more destructive victories, or lightning fast submissions would be a favorite, Emelianenko, like his personality would indicate, is impressed by the competition and resolve shown in two of his more difficult opponents. “Although Mirko is a great fighter, that fight was easier in comparison; during the fight I could see in his eyes that he was giving in. Whereas Nogueira tried to win till the last minute.”

Full interview

Cant wait to see him fight again.

This is the shortest turn around between Fedor fights I can remember in recent history. I don't think he will retire and I have a new found belief he will be swayed by the UFC.

Any chance Werdum takes it?

Not really. About as much chance as anyone Anderson Silva has faced since Dan Henderson.

I can't freaking wait to watch him fight again, but for some reason, I have concerns in this fight. Nothing about Werdum in particular, just a feeling like this is too much of a gimmee.

ANYONE? We will see

Werdum gets KO'd in the first.

Likely. And this is the difference between Anderson, Aldo, GSP and others, Fedor goes for the kill every time.

Wolfgangsta wrote:

Likely. And this is the difference between Anderson, Aldo, GSP and others, Fedor goes for the kill every time.

Thus far Aldo has a nice record of kill shots. Anderson is toying with his division, I think he'll have a decent challenge with Sonnen, though.

GSP has a formula that is nearly unbeatable at 170, why fix what's not broke?

Anderson, GSP and Jose Aldo refuse to finish title fights when they could. Aldo just showed this once in his last fight when he pulled up off the gas and let Faber survive when he should have decapitated him. Fedor would have ended the fight in the third. Anderson had two bouts with mini-Werdums and didn't finish them, and GSP practically refuses to finish fights anymore.

Fedor cuts your head off in 36 seconds or ends your day with an overhand right.

So since he COULDN'T finish Faber in 4 rounds and decided to let a very respected fighter finish a fight in which 9 out of every 10 fighters would have quit mentally in front of his home crowd Aldo is now being lumped in with Anderson and GSP as far as finishing title fights?

"The crowd is fickle"

Yes, absolutely he is.

If he is doing this when he is at his youngest and most aggressive period ala old school Wandy and CC, imagine how he'll be treating fighters once he has become a smiling new school Wandy/CC who instead of stare you down trying to pierce your soul and then precede to try and stomp your face in, hug you, show mercy if you're a late replacement and wax endlessly about the fans and the show?

He doesn't have the killer instinct he should. I was rooting for Faber from the beginning but the only thing I was screaming at the TV by round 4 was FINISH HIM DAMN IT!