Fedor Emelianenko, a legendary heavyweight MMA fighter, lost his final fight against Bellator Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader at Bellator 290 and announced his retirement. Bader became the first man to defeat Emelianenko multiple times and won the fight via TKO. Emelianenko’s retirement was attended by many legends of the sport and was praised for his successful career. Ryan Bader retained his heavyweight title after defending it against two previous opponents.
Fedor Emelianenko initiated his professional MMA career in May 2000, showcasing his dominance with a first-round submission win against Martin Lazarov. Despite a minor setback against Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, he continued to showcase his skills and achieved a remarkable feat of 27 consecutive victories.
While competing in Pride, Fedor Emelianenko conquered prominent fighters such as Kevin Randleman, Mirko Cro Cop, and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira. He claimed the heavyweight championship title by defeating Nogueira at Pride 25.
Emelianenko’s retirement signifies a significant moment in the history of mixed martial arts, as one of the sport’s all-time greats officially bids farewell to the competition. His accomplishments and dominant runs in both Pride and Strikeforce have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights to ever compete in MMA.
Fans, Fighters, and Legends Pay Tribute to Fedor Emelianenko After Final Fight
Hate seeing fedor going out like that. It was a honor to share the ring with him. And he was a truly nice guy. Much respect to the GOAT of heavyweights.
— Tim Sylvia (@timsylviamma) February 5, 2023
Sad way to go #Bellator290
— RobFont (@RobSFont) February 5, 2023
Still love you fedor! Hope he has a great life in retirement. Brutal sport. https://t.co/CTKGpUKpCb
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) February 5, 2023
Respect 🙏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/sfAd4IGCO0
— RAUFEON (@RaufeonStots) February 5, 2023
Damn that was sad but cool to see all the legends get in there and support Fedor 🐐
— Dan Ige (@Dynamitedan808) February 5, 2023
Ryan Bader is a bad mfkr
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 5, 2023
Another legend down fedor you was a dawg thank you 🙏
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 5, 2023
Fedor getting the Frankie Edgar retirement treatment makes me big sad 🫠 #Bellator290
— Jeff Molina (@jmolina_125) February 5, 2023
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) February 5, 2023
Damn… 😞
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) February 5, 2023
Man Fedor 😩😩
— Saidyokub Kakhramonov (@SaidYokubMMA) February 5, 2023
Sad way to go #Bellator290
— RobFont (@RobSFont) February 5, 2023
Tonight we say goodbye to a legend. Honored to have covered his career for over 15 years. Thank you for all you’ve done for the sport of MMA. 🐐 #Fedor #mma #legend #fedoremelianenko pic.twitter.com/67ErsFbIbX
— Jenn Brown TV (@JennBrown) February 5, 2023
Regardless of the finish, it was really cool to see all those legends in the cage to celebrate Fedor Emelianenko’s incredible career. Great job by Bellator. MMA should honor its past more. #Bellator290
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) February 5, 2023
Fedor wanted and requested this fight. Have to keep that in mind. He wanted to go out testing himself one last time. Have to respect it
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) February 5, 2023
Fedor Emelianenko fighting his last fight tonight. Wish I woulda got a pic with him last time I seen him at n the hotel lobby in Chicago but his natural mean mug frightened me from even saying Whaddup. Good luck nonetheless 🤙🏾🤣 #Bellator290
— RAUFEON (@RaufeonStots) February 4, 2023
