Russian MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko is denying press reports that he plans to retire following his bout with former UFC Heavyweight contender Pedro Rizzo on June 21, 2012 at the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. Fedor spoke to a Russian TV network (translated by Lowkick.com):
“We’ll see. It’s not a fact that I will retire on June 21st. We’ll see after the fight.”
“I don’t know who came to conclusion that I will coach young fighters. Everyone talks about my retirement, and that I will train young fighters. I never said that.”
Emelianenko was the long-time Pride Heavyweight champion in Japan and following the collapse of Pride he fought for a number of promotions including Bodog Fight, Affliction and Strikeforce. He beat former UFC champs Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlvoski for Affliction then went to Strikeforce where he lost his first fight in 10 years to Fabricio Werdum and followed that with losses to Antonio Silva and Dan Henderson.
Since leaving Strikeforce he has picked up wins over Jeff Monson and Satoshi Ishii.
After the jump see video of Fedor’s current fight camp with his brother Aleksander Emelianenko.
About the author
