A heavyweight legend who is one of the greatest of all time, with almost forty fights to his name, versus an unknown who had gone 2-0 over a two-year MMA career.
Sounds legit!
But we put all our cynicism to one side because, on New Year’s Eve, one of the best returned as Fedor Emelianenko wrapped his hands for the first time since 2012.
‘The Last Emperor’ was once thought to be the greatest mixed martial arts fighter of all time and many still maintain that opinion of the Russian legend who once went 28 fights undefeated which is extraordinary among heavyweights.
Emelianeko’s bout with Indian striker Jaideep Singh was the stand-out fight of an exciting, if slightly bizarre, Rizin FF card.
Emelianenko didn’t mess about as he landed a typically fluid combination before diving on a takedown and bringing Singh into his realm.
From there, there was only going to be one winner as Emelianenko fired away from mount with thudding shots that drew the tap from Singh after three minutes.
What’s next for Fedor? Another exhibition bout or will he finally make the move to the UFC? Whatever he decides, 2016 is going to be very interesting.
