Fans do not think a heavyweight should be able to do what Fedor Emelianenko still can — and Jon Jones has never been able to…
Dana White announced Jones’ retirement in the summer following months of uncertainty during a fairly lackluster UFC heavyweight title reign.
The leading GOAT contender’s gloves were not hung up for long, as Jones announced plans to return in 2026 at the planned White House event. White appears reluctant to grant the former champ’s wish, meaning he may well stay retired after all.
Jones has been staying fight ready in the gym and will likely look to maintain his fitness even if a comeback is off the cards. In that sense, he could do much worse than following in the legendary footsteps of Emelianenko.
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Fedor Emelianenko is keeping in shape as he shows off his post-career fitness
Emelianenko is widely regarded as the best fighter not to have competed in the UFC, is firmly in the GOAT discussion at heavyweight, and is often included among the likes of Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Jones on people’s MMA Mount Rushmore picks.
‘The Last Emperor’ competed under the banners of major promotions like Strikeforce, Bellator, Rizin, and Pride during an illustrious 48-fight professional career, which came to an end when Ryan Bader knocked Emelianenko out in their Bellator 290 title fight in 2023.
A couple of years on, the legendary Russian is 48 years old and has become a prominent figure in the coaching realm. But that new role does not mean the former Pride champion is letting himself go.
In fact, just one year on from surgery on a shoulder injury, Emelianenko is back showing off his insane athleticism in the gym.
“A year has passed since my complicated shoulder surgery,” Emelianenko wrote in the caption (translated from Russian) of a video that shows him swinging on a bar.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the specialists who worked on my recovery,” he added.
Jon Jones joins other fighters and fans in awe of Fedor Emelianenko’s athleticism
The post captured the attention of Jones, who admitted that even he can’t do the moves Emelianenko was performing and he is a whole decade younger.
“I still have never done one of those,” Jones wrote in the comments section on Instagram.
Ex-UFC and kickboxing star Gokhan Saki and current UFC fighter Vitor Petrino were among some of the other reactions on social media. “Legend!” Saki commented, while Petrino posted a series of fire emojis.
Plenty of fans were also shocked and impressed by the Russian great’s display of agility.
“240-pound men shouldn’t be able to do this.”
“F— it, book him vs (Tom) Aspinall.”
“I’ve seen enough, Fedor vs ‘Rampage’ at the White House event.”
“Fedor looks in better shape retired than he did while competing.”
“All things considered. This is wildly impressive.”
“Best MMA fighter of all time.”