Legendary Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko has a long history with Donald Trump, so much so that he revealed that he would be “very happy” if the president of the United States attended his upcoming fight for Bellator.
Featured in studio to record the MMA Hour, Emelianenko delved into a variety of topics, including his work for the Russian Ministry of Sports, his decision to return to mixed martial arts, and his history with Trump during Affliction’s short-lived run. The fighter confirmed that he has not had the chance to meet Trump since arriving in New York but would be happy to see him attend the June 24 event.
“No we didn’t have an opportunity to meet him,” Fedor explained through a translator. “I would be very happy if the president of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, could come to our fight and support us.”
Asked to offer his thoughts on how surreal it is that the man who once promoted his fights back in 2008 is now the president of the United States, Emelianenko revealed that “when you actually know the person in private life, you actually sympathize with him.” The Affliction joint venture between Oscar de la Hoya, M-1 Global, and Trump lasted two events but still serves as the foundation of Emelianenko’s perception of Trump.
“I think that Donald Trump is the person who is very concentrated on his target,” said Emelianenko. “I am very, very happy he hit another target which he put in front of him. I think that he is doing his best for his country. I cannot understand why he has such a negative publicity right now in his own country. I think he is doing everything for his people. But to tell the truth, I don’t live in the United States. I live in Russia. That is why, maybe, I cannot make an objective judgement. This is my feeling.”
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