FEDOR Emelianenko is something of an enigma.
Widely regarded by many as the best heavyweight in the world, Fedor is a hugely decorated mixed martial artist, without doubt the most prominent to fight outside the UFC.
Fans are desperate to see the Russian ply his trade against the UFC heavyweights to clarify the matter.
A proposed deal earlier this year fell through much to the irritation of all concerned, particularly Dana White who said he’d offered Fedor huge money to mix it up with the likes of Lesnar, Dos Santos and new champion Cain Velasquez.
FT has tracked down the 34-year-old after plenty of leg work and got you the exclusive. Why didn’t he sign with UFC? Fedor tells me it wasn’t over money at least.
He explained: “The terms of the contract were more restrictive than what myself and my management would have liked. I currently have a contract with Strikeforce and prefer to continue that relationship. However in the worlds of sport and business I would never say never.”
Fedor is a legend to PRIDE fans and until his shock defeat to Fabricio Werdum in June was largely considered undefeated in MMA competition, with 32 wins to his name against a cast of legendary names including Cro Cop, Coleman, and the Nogueira brothers.
He added: “Nothing has changed since my fight with Werdum. My training remains steady and my life has not changed. The elbow is fine – no problems at all.
“I’m very much looking forward to a rematch with Werdum.”
Clearly revenge for the arm-in triangle is on the agenda, but Fedor insists he has no particular favourite option for his next clash, saying that it’s up to employer Strikeforce.
From a fan’s point of view, that apart from rematching Mr Werdum, and taking on Mr Overeem, there are no marquee fights for Fedor other than in UFC.
Fedor says he doesn’t watch much – on Cro Cop: “I have not seen his performances in the UFC. I’ve heard he has had mixed results.
“I’m not familiar with many of their (UFC) heavyweight fighters but it is commonly accepted in sport that the champion is considered the best.”
By Patrick Lennon