Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko is arguably the best MMA fighter of all time. From May 2000 to June 2010, Emelianenko was unstoppable.

His record before facing Fabricio Werdum last June was 31-1-1. Thanks to the controversy that filled his only loss until that point, many considered Emelianenko undefeated.

When Emelianenko stepped into the cage against Werdum, many believed his streak would continue. Unfortunately one of the biggest upsets in MMA history happened instead.

Emelianenko dropped Werdum shortly after the bout started. But the skillful Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert that his is, Werdum was able to trap Emelianenko in a triangle and arm bar, forcing the former PRIDE champion to tap.

The shocking loss made the once unstoppable Emelianenko look human.

In his next fight Emelianenko faced a much larger Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva in a quarterfinal match of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. This would not be the first time Emelianenko faced a much larger opponent.

Despite the first round being close, Silva pounded away at Emelianenko on the ground causing his right eye to shut in the second. Doctors stopped the match inbetween rounds.

Emelianenko is looking to avoid a third straight loss when he takes on Dan Henderson in July.

If Emelianenko loses it could mean two things; the end of his Strikeforce run and the end of his Career.

Since Zuffa now owns Strikeforce, it is only a matter of time before Emelianenko gets cut. It is no secret that Dana White does not care for the Russian star or his management.

Although he is a legend, I would not be surprised if Zuffa got rid of him on the three strike rule. The fact that M-1 Global is hard to deal with is another reason why Emelianenko could get cut fast.

Emelianenko could also be done with the sport all together. After the Silva fight, Emelianenko teased that he could possibly retire. Although he is only 34, he has been through many wars and may be ready to call it quits.

If Emelianenko loses it’s a sign that "The Last Emperor" could be on the last legs of his career.

A win for Emelianenko on the other hand could put his career back in the place he has been for so long; the top.

By Jeffrey McKinney