Fedor Needs the UFC Much More Than They Need Him

It was May 21st, 2000 when Fedor Emelianenko entered the sport of mixed martial arts for the very first time. Fedor began his career posting a 10-1 record before entering the organization of Pride. This was only the beginning of a career that many cons…

It was May 21st, 2000 when Fedor Emelianenko entered the sport of mixed martial arts for the very first time.

Fedor began his career posting a 10-1 record before entering the organization of Pride.

This was only the beginning of a career that many consider to be the greatest of all-time.

Fedor would win the first two fights in his Pride career which would earn him a heavyweight title shot against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

While Fedor couldn’t finish off Nogueira, he was declared victorious via Unanimous Decision and became the new heavyweight champion.

Fedor wouldn’t lose another fight as he topped off an amazing 26 fight winning streak before joining the organization of Strikeforce.

However, despite dominating every opponent that came his way, Fedor never pursued a career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

After nearly ten years without a single defeat, Fedor’s career would lead him to a highly anticipated bout with Fabricio Werdum at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum.

In arguably the biggest upset of all-time Fedor found himself in a position he never encountered before.

Then, at 1:09 of the very first round, Fedor was submitted via Triangle Arm-bar as the world couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed.

But, it didn’t stop there as Fedor would go on to lose his next two bouts against Antonio Silva and Dan Henderson.

And, while Fedor broke his three fight losing streak in his recent victory over Jeff Monson, he’s still not the fighter he once was.

At one point in his career, Fedor was considered a “must sign” by the UFC as he established himself as the greatest fighter on the planet.

However, the tides have quickly turned.

Not only has Fedor lost three of his last four bouts, but the UFC isn’t even pursuing him.

Fedor needs the UFC a lot more than they need him.

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