Ex-manager: President Trump was always a fan of Fedor Emelianenko

Vadim Finkelchtien spoke to Russia Today about President Donald Trump’s fandom for the ‘Last Emperor’ during his time at Affliction.

Several years before being elected president of the United States, Donald Trump had a keen interest in mixed martial arts and planned to co-promote events with Russia’s oldest promotion, M-1 Global.

The venture began in 2008, when a joint effort between Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, M-1 Global and major shareholder Trump led to the formation of Affliction Entertainment. The promotion lasted two events, both headlined by legendary fighter Fedor Emelianenko (who won in a combined four minutes), before it went under ahead of the third show.

Despite the failed venture, Fedor’s longtime manager Vadim Finkelchtein, who worked with Fedor between 2003-12, maintains interesting memories of his interactions with Trump.

“He was always cheering for Fedor,” Vadim told RT. “I know that for a fact. He was really happy when Fedor beat Arlovski. Despite the fact that Arlovski was technically representing American in this fight, as he speaks good English already had a solid fanbase in the States. But Trump was definitely in Fedor’s corner. I saw his reaction after the knockout. He was visibly pumped and rushed to the ring to congratulate Fedor.”

However, despite a positive relationship with the president of the United States, Vadim is weary of whether Trump will improve ties between the USA and Russia.

“I don’t know what kind of president Trump will be, though. Ik hope for a better relationship between Russia and the US. Both countries can achieve more conducing a peaceful business rather than having this cold war which everybody is tired of. We want Americans not to worry about coming here. The media are making monsters out of us but when people come here they change their minds.”

Vadim Finkelchtien spoke to Russia Today about President Donald Trump’s fandom for the ‘Last Emperor’ during his time at Affliction.

Several years before being elected president of the United States, Donald Trump had a keen interest in mixed martial arts and planned to co-promote events with Russia’s oldest promotion, M-1 Global.

The venture began in 2008, when a joint effort between Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, M-1 Global and major shareholder Trump led to the formation of Affliction Entertainment. The promotion lasted two events, both headlined by legendary fighter Fedor Emelianenko (who won in a combined four minutes), before it went under ahead of the third show.

Despite the failed venture, Fedor’s longtime manager Vadim Finkelchtein, who worked with Fedor between 2003-12, maintains interesting memories of his interactions with Trump.

“He was always cheering for Fedor,” Vadim told RT. “I know that for a fact. He was really happy when Fedor beat Arlovski. Despite the fact that Arlovski was technically representing American in this fight, as he speaks good English already had a solid fanbase in the States. But Trump was definitely in Fedor’s corner. I saw his reaction after the knockout. He was visibly pumped and rushed to the ring to congratulate Fedor.”

However, despite a positive relationship with the president of the United States, Vadim is weary of whether Trump will improve ties between the USA and Russia.

“I don’t know what kind of president Trump will be, though. Ik hope for a better relationship between Russia and the US. Both countries can achieve more conducing a peaceful business rather than having this cold war which everybody is tired of. We want Americans not to worry about coming here. The media are making monsters out of us but when people come here they change their minds.”