Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
One of the final major MMA events of the year will transpire later this evening (Sat., Dec. 28, 2019) at Bellator 237 live on Paramount Network from inside Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, as the legendary Fedor Emelianenko meets Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in the main event.
Needless to say, this is an important fight for both heavyweights at this point in their respective careers. While Fedor is currently embarking on his rumored retirement tour, the 43-year-old veteran is still a capable fighter inside of the cage and is trying to get back into the win column after suffering a knockout loss to Ryan Bader last January. A victory over Jackson to end 2020 would be a perfect way for “Last Emperor” to regain some much-needed momentum among casual fight fans and set himself up for a memorable retirement party next year.
As for Jackson, who is coming into this fight heavier than he ever has before, this is his opportunity to take out one of the most popular and respected MMA fighters of all time while building off his recent TKO win over rival Wanderlei Silva in September of 2018. “Rampage” hasn’t competed in quite some time and did turn 41 years if age back in June, but the knockout sensation still has enough power in his hands to check Fedor and make him pay for any minute mistake he makes inside of the cage.
The two fighters came together for ceremonial weigh ins yesterday and squared off for a final staredown. Check it out in the above video player courtesy of MMA Fighting.
All that’s left to do now is fight. Who do you think wins Fedor vs. ‘Rampage’ as Bellator tries to close out 2019 with a bang?
Bellator 237’s main card will start at 10:00 p.m. ET on Paramount Network. MMAmania.com will deliver results and play-by-play for the televised Bellator MMA card HERE.