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Fedor Emelianenko

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Fedor Emelianenko
Born
Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko

(1976-09-28) September 28, 1976 (age 50)
Rubizhne, Luhansk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
Occupation(s)Mixed martial artist, sambist, judoka, political figure
Years active2000–2012, 2015–2023
Known forPRIDE Heavyweight Champion (2003–2007), four-time world combat sambo champion

Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko (born 28 September 1976) is a retired Russian professional mixed martial artist, sambist, judoka, and political figure. He held the PRIDE Heavyweight Championship title from 2003 until the organization's dissolution in 2007. Emelianenko is a four-time world champion in combat sambo, seven-time national combat sambo champion, and twice earned bronze medals at the Russian national judo championships. Throughout his career, he competed in promotions such as RINGS, Strikeforce, M-1 Global, Rizin, and Bellator MMA. Notably, he is often recognized as the most distinguished fighter who never participated in the UFC. Widely regarded as one of the all-time greats in MMA, he was consistently ranked as the premier heavyweight from 2003 through 2010 and considered the best fighter of the decade. His success played a crucial role in elevating MMA's profile both within Russia and internationally.

Emelianenko embarked on his MMA journey on May 21, 2000, securing four consecutive victories before experiencing a contentious defeat in December of that year. He maintained an undefeated streak across his initial 28 bouts until June 2010. His notable wins include triumphs over four former UFC champions, one future Strikeforce titleholder, two PRIDE champions, multiple K-1 champions, a Pancrase champion, and two Olympic medalists. He initially retired in June 2012 with a record of 34–4 but made a comeback in December 2015. Ultimately retiring on February 4, 2023, Emelianenko concluded his career with a record of 40 wins, 7 losses, and 1 no contest, including victories against seven former UFC champions. According to Fight Matrix rankings, he is considered the greatest heavyweight MMA competitor ever and ranks third on the pound-for-pound list.

In addition to his fighting career, Emelianenko ventured into leadership and business roles. His political involvement began in 2010 when he was elected as a deputy to the Belgorod Regional Duma. Subsequently, he assumed the presidency of the Russian MMA Union (currently serving as honorary president and chairman of its supervisory board) and holds a position on Russia's Council of Physical Fitness & Sports.

Early life

Born in 1976 in Rubizhne, Luhansk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union, Emelianenko's family moved to Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russian SFSR in 1978. His mother Olga Fedorovna worked as a teacher while his father Vladimir Alexandrovich was employed as a welder.

At eleven years old, Emelianenko began training in sambo and judo under coach Vasily Ivanovich Gavrilov. One year later, he started working with Vladimir Voronov, who attributed Emelianenko’s achievements to his dedication and relentless effort; Voronov passed away in 2020 due to complications from coronavirus.

Emelianenko completed high school in 1991 and obtained an electrician’s certificate from a vocational school by 1994. Between 1995 and 1997, he served in the Russian Ground Forces as a military firefighter and tank crew member stationed near Nizhny Novgorod. During this time frame, his parents divorced.

In 1997, Emelianenko earned the prestigious "Master of Sport" designation for both judo and sambo. That same year he joined Russia’s national team and won an international judo competition held in Kursk. From 1999 to 2000, his judo record stood at twelve wins against seven losses. Additionally, he secured third place at both the Moscow International Tournament and Sofia Liberation A-Team tournament in 1999.

Facing financial difficulties, Emelianenko departed from the Russian national team in 2000 and shifted focus toward professional mixed martial arts competition.

Club affiliation

Emelianenko initiated his MMA journey with Russian Top Team (RTT), an organization connected to Fighting Network RINGS, where he trained under the guidance of Volk Han and Andrei Kopylov. Following his fight against Gary Goodridge, he and his brothers departed RTT to continue their training in St. Petersburg at Red Devil Sport Club, overseen by Vadim Finkelchtein, who managed Emelianenko until his initial retirement in 2012. Additionally, he honed his skills at the VOS gym in the Netherlands, training alongside Johan Vos and Lucien Carbin. Throughout his career, Emelianenko collaborated with prominent fighters including Ernesto Hoost, Tyrone Spong, and Denis Lebedev.

2000-2001: RINGS

Emelianenko suffered his first defeat under contentious circumstances against Tsuyoshi Kohsaka during the King of Kings 2000 Block B event on 22 December 2000. The match was halted by the doctor due to a cut reopened by an illegal elbow strike, which aggravated a previous injury.

Following a victory over Renato Sobral in an elimination match, Emelianenko was declared the RINGS Heavyweight Class Champion by default when his opponent Bobby Hoffman withdrew because of injury.

2002-2006: PRIDE Fighting Championships

After securing the RINGS King of Kings 2002 tournament title, Emelianenko made his debut in Pride Fighting Championships at Pride 21 on 23 June 2002, where he defeated the , Dutch competitor Semmy Schilt via unanimous decision. He subsequently faced heavyweight contender Heath Herring in a bout determining the number one challenger, dominating with ground-and-pound techniques and winning due to doctor stoppage after the first round.

PRIDE Heavyweight Championship

Emelianenko agreed to challenge the favored Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira for the Pride Heavyweight Championship at Pride 25 on 16 March 2003. Nogueira, renowned for his stamina and submission expertise, had earned significant victories including the RINGS 2000 King of Kings Tournament. Over a grueling 20-minute contest, Emelianenko controlled Nogueira with relentless ground and pound, successfully defending against all submission attempts and ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory to claim the title as the second Pride Heavyweight Champion—a championship he retained without defeat.

Three months later, Emelianenko defended his belt against former IWGP Heavyweight champion wrestler Kazuyuki Fujita. Although initially stunned by a powerful right hook, Emelianenko recovered to knock Fujita down and finish him with a rear naked choke at 4:17 in round one. He later remarked that Fujita was the only fighter who landed a significant strike on him.

At Pride Total Elimination 2003, Emelianenko confronted heavy underdog Gary Goodridge. After staggering Goodridge with precise strikes, he secured a first-round victory through ground and pound. During this bout, Emelianenko sustained a broken hand that required surgical intervention, leading to multiple postponed fights due to recurring injuries. Goodridge subsequently acknowledged Emelianenko’s exceptional speed and power as unmatched.

In his next encounter against New Japan wrestler Yuji Nagata at the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003 event, Emelianenko knocked Nagata down twice before achieving victory. He opted for this event over Pride Shockwave 2003, attracted by a more lucrative fight purse amid rivalry between Japanese television networks. Following this period, Pride organized an interim heavyweight title contest between Nogueira and Mirko Cro Cop, which Nogueira won by armbar submission in the second round.

PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight World Grand Prix

Two months following the initial round of PRIDE, Emelianenko met Kevin "The Monster" Randleman, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and two-time NCAA Wrestling Champion. Coming off a knockout victory over Mirko Cro Cop, Randleman executed a striking German suplex on Emelianenko, an iconic moment in both PRIDE and MMA history. Nevertheless, Emelianenko swiftly regained control, attained a dominant top position, and compelled Randleman to submit via kimura armlock just 1:33 into the opening round.

On 15 August 2004, Emelianenko secured a semifinal win against Naoya Ogawa, a six-time All-Japan Judo Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist, with an armbar submission. He then faced Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira for the second occasion to unify the heavyweight championship—Nogueira held the interim belt due to Emelianenko’s previous inactivity. Their intense rematch was cut short by an accidental clash of heads that caused a cut on Emelianenko.

The conclusive third encounter at Shockwave 2004 decided both PRIDE’s Heavyweight Championship and the 2004 Grand Prix winner. Contrasting their initial bout where Emelianenko controlled the ground game, this time he emphasized striking and takedown defense. Emelianenko dominated Nogueira standing up, delivering punches and Judo throws while thwarting Nogueira’s grappling strategy. Ultimately, Emelianenko earned a unanimous decision victory, maintaining his heavyweight title and reaffirming his supremacy in PRIDE.

Title defense against Mirko Cro Cop

At PRIDE Final Conflict 2005, Emelianenko clashed with Mirko Cro Cop. Early in the first round, Cro Cop's jabs and body kicks stunned Emelianenko, breaking his nose. Despite this setback, Emelianenko managed to bring the fight to the mat, landing damaging body strikes that weakened Cro Cop. As the bout progressed, he controlled stand-up exchanges and executed multiple takedowns. After 20 minutes of combat, Emelianenko emerged victorious by unanimous decision.

Later PRIDE years

Despite battling a persistent hand injury, Emelianenko underwent surgery involving the insertion of a plate, which allowed him to face Mark Coleman again at Pride 32, Pride's inaugural event in the United States. Coleman was unable to mount significant offense, and Emelianenko finished the fight with an armbar submission at 1:15 into the second round.

Emelianenko’s final defense of his Pride Heavyweight title occurred against 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix champion Mark Hunt at Shockwave 2006. Initially scheduled to fight Josh Barnett—who declined—Hunt became the top contender after Cro Cop departed for UFC. Competing with a broken toe, Emelianenko attempted an early armbar which Hunt escaped. Following Hunt’s two unsuccessful attempts at an americana submission, Emelianenko secured victory by submitting Hunt with a kimura at 8:16 of the first round.

M-1 Global

After Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta acquired Pride Fighting Championships and Emelianenko’s contract with Pride expired, speculation mounted regarding his potential UFC debut amid a public dispute between Bodog’s Calvin Ayre and Emelianenko’s manager Vadim Finkelchtein. In June 2007, Chuck Liddell indicated that Emelianenko was likely headed to UFC. The following month revealed that he held a minority ownership stake in M-1 Global.

Dana White, UFC president, expressed interest in signing Emelianenko but cited management complications as significant hurdles. Meanwhile, Finkelchtein attributed difficulties to stringent negotiation demands and insisted on UFC cooperating with M-1 Global, extending contracts to other Red Devil Sport Club members, and allowing Emelianenko to participate in combat sambo events. White anticipated completing the signing by late 2007 or early 2008 after sambo competitions concluded, aiming for Emelianenko’s debut to be a unification bout against UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture.

However, talks ultimately broke down; in October 2007, Emelianenko inked a non-exclusive two-year contract with M-1 Global for six fights.

In 2007, Emelianenko graced the cover of Karaté Bushido, Europe’s longest-running martial arts publication, joining distinguished personalities such as Bruce Lee, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Georges St-Pierre, and Francis Ngannou.

2007: BodogFight and Yarennoka!

Emelianenko invoked a unique provision in his Pride contract that permitted him to compete for any MMA promotion within Russia, leading to his acceptance of a bout against Matt Lindland at BodogFight. This encounter occurred on 14 April 2007 during the "Clash of the Nations" event held in St. Petersburg, Russia. Lindland moved up two divisions from middleweight to heavyweight, weighing in at 212.5 lb (96.5 kg), while Emelianenko weighed 230 lb (104.5 kg).

In the early stages, Lindland inflicted a cut above Emelianenko's left eye and pressured him into the corner, attempting a takedown. Following a referee's caution, Emelianenko adjusted his hold and countered Lindland’s bodylock takedown attempt, ending up in half guard. The contest continued on the mat where Emelianenko secured an armbar submission victory at 2:58 of the first round.

Monte Cox, President and CEO of M-1 Global, confirmed that Emelianenko would face South Korean kickboxer Hong-man Choi during the New Year's Eve event Yarennoka! in Japan. This event was organized by former Pride personnel with backing from M-1 Global, FEG, and DEEP. A special rule barred knee strikes while on the ground. The fight was broadcast live in the United States via the cable channel HDNet. Emelianenko secured victory over Choi in the first round by applying an armbar submission.

Negotiations with DREAM

On 13 February 2008, Emelianenko appeared at a press conference for Dream, a new MMA promotion based in Japan. Vadim Finkelchtein announced a strategic partnership between Dream and M-1 Global, with plans for Emelianenko to compete on Dream events. Finkelchtein also disclosed intentions for Emelianenko to fight on New Year's Eve in Japan under Dream’s banner.

2008–2009: Affliction

At Affliction: Banned on 19 July 2008, Emelianenko defeated former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia with a rear naked choke submission in just 36 seconds. Prior to this bout, Sylvia was ranked fourth among MMA heavyweights by Sherdog.com. Dana White commended Emelianenko’s performance and acknowledged Sylvia as a credible adversary.

On 24 January 2009, during Affliction: Day of Reckoning, Emelianenko faced former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski, who had been ranked as high as No. 2 by Sherdog.com. After Arlovski gained early momentum, Emelianenko responded with an overhand right knockout countering a flying knee at 3:14 of the opening round. This knockout was honored as Sherdog's Knockout of the Year for 2009. Notably, his training coincided with filming for the movie "The 5th Execution".

Emelianenko also took part in exhibition bouts: on 29 April at an M-1 Challenge event in Tokyo, he forced Shinya Aoki to submit via Achilles lock; and on 28 August at M-1 Global: Breakthrough in Kansas City, he submitted teammate Gegard Mousasi with an armbar.

He was scheduled to face former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett on 1 August 2009 at Affliction: Trilogy, but Barnett was denied a license following a positive test for anabolic steroids. Vitor Belfort was reported as a potential replacement; however, Affliction ultimately canceled the event due to insufficient time to secure an appropriate substitute and effectively promote the fight.

Failed UFC Contract Discussions

After Affliction's downfall, UFC President Dana White aggressively pursued Emelianenko for an exclusive deal, describing him as his "obsession" and aiming to book a headline bout against the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar. White considered this potential fight a marquee event. The UFC reportedly proposed a contract offering Emelianenko just under $2 million per fight, plus pay-per-view bonuses. However, talks broke down when Emelianenko's representatives insisted on a co-promotion agreement between UFC and M-1 Global, which White declined.

In 2012, with significant fan demand for a UFC matchup between Emelianenko and Lesnar, White made efforts to coax Emelianenko out of retirement. Nonetheless, White confirmed that Emelianenko remained steadfastly retired.

2009–2011: Strikeforce Tenure

Following unsuccessful negotiations with the UFC, Emelianenko inked a three-fight deal with Strikeforce. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker announced his debut would take place on 7 November 2009, airing nationally on CBS.

Emelianenko’s debut in Strikeforce was against the undefeated Brett Rogers at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers, where he secured a TKO victory in the second round. On 26 June 2010, he experienced his first defeat in ten years against Fabrício Werdum, submitting via triangle armbar despite having knocked Werdum down early. Prior to this loss, Emelianenko had contemplated retirement due to accumulating injuries and advancing age.

In January 2011, Emelianenko joined the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix and faced Antônio Silva on 12 February. Silva emerged victorious after inflicting swelling that closed Emelianenko’s right eye, causing the medical team to halt the contest.

On 30 July 2011 at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson, Emelianenko squared off against Dan Henderson. Although initially controlling the fight, Emelianenko was rendered unconscious by Henderson’s counterstrikes, leading referee Herb Dean to stop the bout.

After enduring three straight defeats, reports indicated that Emelianenko was released from Strikeforce. Dana White confirmed he was "being cut," but Emelianenko contested this assertion, clarifying his contract was with Showtime rather than directly with Strikeforce. Evgeni Kogan of M-1 Global affirmed that Emelianenko was never a direct employee of Zuffa and remained under contract with Showtime, leaving open possibilities for future engagements.

On 7 October 2011, Emelianenko admitted to errors in his training regimen and personal challenges impacting his recent performances. Four days later, he conveyed confidence that he could have won those fights but accepted the results as part of fate.

2011–2012: Return to Russia and Japan; Retirement

Post-Strikeforce, Emelianenko competed against Jeff Monson at an M-1 Global event on 20 November 2011 in Moscow. He returned to Japan on 31 December 2011 at Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011, securing a first-round knockout over Satoshi Ishii.

On 21 June 2012 in St. Petersburg, Emelianenko faced three-time UFC heavyweight challenger Pedro Rizzo at an M-1 Global show. Despite prior retirement speculation, he knocked out Rizzo within two minutes and announced his retirement immediately afterward.

Although retired from active competition, Emelianenko continued serving as president of the Russian MMA Union. According to FightMatrix rankings, he maintained a top-10 heavyweight position from January 2002 through July 2011 and held the #1 ranking from April 2003 until April 2010.

2015: Return from Retirement

On 14 July 2015, after stepping away for three years, Emelianenko declared his intention to resume active competition and promptly resumed training. He engaged in discussions with both the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Bellator MMA. Additionally, he resigned from his role at the Russian Ministry of Sport to dedicate himself fully to his athletic comeback.

At Bellator 142 Dynamite 1 on 19 September 2015, Fedor announced plans to compete on New Year's Eve under the banner of the new Japanese organization Rizin Fighting Federation, headed by former Pride FC president Nobuyuki Sakakibara. Initial contenders Jaideep Singh and Tsuyoshi Kohsaka were dismissed due to concerns over competitive balance. Eventually, Singh was confirmed as the opponent, and Emelianenko secured a first-round victory by submission through punches in his return bout.

2016: Eurasia Fight Nights Global 50 Bout Against Maldonado

On 17 June 2016, Emelianenko faced Fábio Maldonado at a local promotion event held in St. Petersburg, Russia. Although he was knocked down early in the fight, Emelianenko managed to rally and earn a contentious majority decision win. However, four out of five media outlets scored the match as a draw, and all judges officiating were appointed by the Russian MMA Union, prompting questions about impartiality. By mid-July, the official outcome was revised to a draw, although this adjustment by WMMAA carried only symbolic significance.

Following this match, Emelianenko expressed his intention to continue competing and carefully review available offers, including a much-anticipated UFC contract that he confirmed having received prior to facing Maldonado.

2017–2023: Tenure with Bellator MMA

On 19 November 2016, during the Bellator 165 event broadcast, Emelianenko finalized a multi-fight agreement with Bellator MMA.

He was initially slated to compete against Matt Mitrione at Bellator 172 in San Jose on 18 February 2017; however, the bout was canceled mere hours before due to Mitrione suffering kidney stones and no substitute opponent being available. The matchup was rescheduled for Bellator 180 in New York on 24 June 2017, where Emelianenko suffered a first-round knockout defeat.

In November 2017, Bellator unveiled its 2018 Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament aimed at crowning a new heavyweight champion. The event featured eight fighters competing from February through December.

Emelianenko opened the Grand Prix at Bellator 198 on 28 April 2018 against former UFC Heavyweight champion Frank Mir, securing a first-round TKO victory. He followed this with another first-round TKO win over Chael Sonnen at Bellator 208 on 13 October 2018. Later that month, Emelianenko resigned as President of the Russian MMA Union and transitioned into roles as Honorary President and Chairman of its Supervisory Board.

In the Grand Prix final at Bellator 214 on 26 January 2019, Emelianenko challenged Ryan Bader for the vacant Bellator Heavyweight World Championship but was defeated by knockout within just 35 seconds.

Though retirement was briefly considered, Emelianenko inked a new exclusive multi-fight contract with Bellator in June 2019. He then triumphed over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson via first-round technical knockout during a Bellator-Rizin co-promoted event in Japan on 29 December 2019.

On 23 October 2021 at Bellator 269 in Moscow, Emelianenko delivered a first-round knockout against Timothy Johnson. Subsequently, he faced Ryan Bader again for the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship at Bellator 290 on 4 February 2023 but lost by first-round TKO and announced his retirement from mixed martial arts thereafter.

Combat Sambo Career

Emelianenko actively participated in combat sambo both prior to (1998–2000) and throughout (2000–2012) his mixed martial arts tenure. Before transitioning to MMA, he secured multiple accolades, including bronze medals at the 1998 and 2000 Russian Combat Sambo National Championships, gold at the 1998 Russian Armed Forces Championships, and a gold medal at the 1999 European Combat Sambo Championships. While competing in MMA, he simultaneously achieved seven national titles (2002, 2005, 2007–2009, 2012) and claimed four world championships (twice in 2002, then 2005 and 2007) in combat sambo.

In 2002, Emelianenko earned gold medals at the FIAS World Combat Sambo Championships, the Russian Combat Sambo National Championships, and the WCSF World Combat Sambo Championships. That year’s final bout concluded with him executing an armbar submission against Oleg Savitsky from the United States.

He replicated this level of dominance in 2005 by capturing gold at both the World Combat Sambo Championships and Russian Nationals without suffering any defeats, finishing matches decisively. Additionally, he collected several regional titles such as the 2003 Union of Heroes Cup and Moscow Open, as well as the 2004 Dagestan Open.

On November 10, 2007, Emelianenko clinched his last world title at the FIAS World Sambo Championships held in Prague, finishing with a perfect 3-0 record. Earlier that year, he had secured the Russian National Championship by swiftly submitting opponents and benefiting from an injury-related forfeit.

In February 2008, he went undefeated through a twelve-man bracket at the Russian National Championship and shortly thereafter triumphed at Russia’s President’s Cup Sambo tournament with another spotless performance. At the November 2008 World Combat Sambo Championship, Emelianenko suffered his sole defeat during the period from 2000 to 2012 when he lost on points to Blagoy Ivanov in the semi-finals, ultimately earning a bronze medal.

February 2009 saw him once again victorious at the Russian National Championship with an unblemished record against formidable adversaries including Aleksey Knyazev—who would later claim gold at that year’s World Championships.

His last national-level competition took place in February 2012 when he won the Russian Combat Sambo National Championship in the over-100 kg division by going 4-0. Highlights included an 11-second submission of Kirill Sidelnikov in the semi-finals and a swift armbar victory over his brother Alexander in the finals.

Between documented tournaments from 2007 through 2012, Emelianenko compiled an impressive combat sambo record of twenty-one wins to a single loss.

Legacy and Fighting Style

Emelianenko was recognized as the premier MMA fighter of the 2000s by outlets such as Sports Illustrated. Renowned personalities including Chuck Norris, Mike Tyson, and elite MMA champions like Junior dos Santos, Fabrício Werdum, Jose Aldo, Georges St-Pierre, and Khabib Nurmagomedov have hailed him as the greatest mixed martial artist ever. MMA referee John McCarthy and commentator Michael Schiavello have likened his influence on MMA to legendary figures such as Muhammad Ali, Pelé, and Wayne Gretzky. Major sports media platforms including ESPN, Bleacher Report, Sherdog, and SB Nation acknowledge him as the most accomplished heavyweight fighter in MMA history. He also holds the distinction of being the longest-reigning lineal heavyweight champion. By 2021, Emelianenko had defeated seven former UFC champions. UFC President Dana White cited the missed opportunity for a bout between Emelianenko and then-champion Brock Lesnar as his sole significant regret.

Though predominantly recognized for his striking prowess, Emelianenko demonstrated exceptional skill across all facets of MMA. Analyst Jack Slack praised his rare blend of Olympic-caliber judo expertise combined with elite striking capabilities. Champion and commentator Bas Rutten commended his adaptability, emphasizing his competence in both submission grappling and knockout power.

From 2000 to 2010, Emelianenko sustained only one contentious defeat across thirty-three professional MMA contests while maintaining an undefeated streak in numerous combat sambo tournaments—securing gold medals in ten national and international competitions. His notable MMA triumphs during this era include victories over four former UFC Heavyweight Champions (Coleman, Randleman, Sylvia, Arlovski), PRIDE Heavyweight Champion Nogueira, K-1/Glory Heavyweight Champion Schilt, Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Sobral, K-1 World Grand Prix Champion Hunt, and 2006 PRIDE Open-Weight Grand Prix Champion Filipović. His combat sambo medal tally comprises at least twenty awards: sixteen golds, one silver, and three bronzes.

In striking exchanges, Emelianenko employs an assertive boxing approach incorporating the "Russian hook," a technique popularized by Igor Vovchanchyn. This is complemented by technically precise power punches targeting both head and body. His intelligent footwork disrupts opponents’ offensive rhythms and enables him to close distance rapidly using hooks or overhand rights that initiate damaging combinations.

On the ground, he prefers hip throws derived from judo and sambo to bring adversaries down rather than leg takedowns from clinch positions. His ground-and-pound tactics are dynamic and relentless—effectively overwhelming opponents’ defenses. Instead of focusing solely on positional control, he attacks fluidly from multiple positions—occasionally inviting submission attempts to create openings for strikes.

Mixed martial arts

Sambo

  • SportAccord
  • Fédération Internationale Amateur de Sambo
    • Inducted into FIAS Hall of Fame
    • Bronze medalist at the 2008 FIAS World Combat Sambo Championships
    • Gold medal winner at FIAS World Combat Sambo Championships in 2007, 2005, and 2002
  • World Combat Sambo Federation
    • Gold medal recipient at the 2002 WCSF World Combat Sambo Championships
  • European Combat Sambo Federation
    • Secured gold at the European Combat Sambo Championships in 1999
  • All-Russia Sambo Federation
    • Russian Combat Sambo National Champion in years: 2002, 2005, from 2007 to 2009, and in 2012
    • Gold medalist at the President's Cup Combat Sambo event in 2008
  • Combat Sambo Federation of Russia
    • Earned bronze medals at Russian Combat Sambo National Championships in both 1998 and 2000
    • Achieved gold medals at various competitions including: Dagestan Open (2004), Union of Heroes Cup (2003), and Moscow Open (dates corresponding)
    • Gold and silver medalist at Russian Armed Forces Championships in 1998
  • Federal Executive Body in Physical Culture & Sports
    • Awarded titles: Honored Master of Sport (2006), International Master of Sport (1998), and Master of Sport (1997)

Judo

  • International Judo Federation
    • Bronze Medalist at the 1999 Sofia Liberation A-Team Senior Competition
    • Bronze Medalist at the 1999 Moscow International Tournament (Senior category)
  • Russian Judo Federation
    • 3rd Place in the Senior Absolute category at the 1999 Russian National Championship
    • 3rd Place in the Senior division at the 1998 Russian National Championship
  • Federal Executive Body for Physical Culture & Sports

Miscellaneous

  • All-Russian Center for Public Opinion Research
    • Honored as Russian Male Athlete of the Year in 2009
  • International Olympic Committee
    • Served as a torchbearer for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Belgorod
    • Participated as a torchbearer during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Russia
  • National Sports Award "Glory"
    • Recipient of the Fair Play Glory Award in 2007
  • Russian Union of Martial Arts
    • Awarded the Golden Belt for Most Outstanding Victory of the Year in 2006
  • Imperial Society of Russia
    • Conferred with the First Class Golden Order of the Romanov Family of St. Nicholas II in 2010
  • Russian Federation National State Decorations Committee

Mixed martial arts record

|- |Loss |align=center|40–7 (1) |Ryan Bader |TKO (punches) |Bellator 290 | |align=center|1 |align=center|2:30 |Inglewood, California, United States | |- |Win |align=center|40–6 (1) |Timothy Johnson |KO (punches) |Bellator 269 | |align=center|1 |align=center|1:46 |Moscow, Russia | |- |Win |align=center|39–6 (1) |Quinton Jackson |TKO (punches) |Bellator 237 | |align=center|1 |align=center|2:44 |Saitama, Japan | |- |Loss |align=center|38–6 (1) |Ryan Bader |TKO (punches) |Bellator 214 | |align=center|1 |align=center|0:35 |Inglewood, California, United States | |- |Win |align=center|38–5 (1) |Chael Sonnen |TKO (punches) |2018 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 208 | |align=center|1 |align=center|4:46 |Uniondale, New York, United States | |- |Win |align=center|37–5 (1) |Frank Mir |KO (punches) |2018 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 198 | |align=center|1 |align=center|0:48 |Rosemont, Illinois, United States | |- |Loss |align=center |36–5 (1) |Matt Mitrione |TKO (punches) |Bellator MMA in 2017#Bellator NYC/Bellator 180 | |align=center |1 |align=center |1:14 |New York City, New York, United States |- 

|Win 
|align=center |36–4 (1) 
|Fábio Maldonado 
|Decision (majority) 
|2016 in Fight Nights Global#Fight Nights Global 50: Fedor vs. Maldonado 
|
|align=center |3 
|align=center |5:00 
|Saint Petersburg, Russia  
|- 
|Win  
|align=center = "center" style="background:#cfc;" colspan="9"|Maintained momentum with significant triumphs against Jaideep Singh, Pedro Rizzo, and Satoshi Ishii at prominent global competitions including Rizin and M-1 Global.  
|-

Political career

As his mixed martial arts career neared its conclusion, Emelianenko transitioned into the political arena. On 10 October 2010, he secured a five-year mandate as a deputy in the Belgorod Regional Duma, representing the United Russia party.

On 28 July 2012, by presidential decree from Vladimir Putin, Emelianenko was appointed to Russia's Council of Physical Fitness & Sports, taking over the position previously held by then Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev.

In 2014, Emelianenko publicly backed the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and expressed support for the majority decision in the 2014 Crimean status referendum, stating: "Crimea has made the right choice, by joining Russia." He also visited Crimea to promote mixed martial arts within the region.

Concerning the conflict in the Donbas area, Emelianenko accused Ukraine of conducting hostilities against its own population, condemned the Ukrainian government for what he labeled as fascism, and denounced what he described as "the killing of Russians simply because they are Russian."

Personal life

In 1999, two years following his military service, Emelianenko married Oksana, a childhood acquaintance; their daughter was born that same year. The couple divorced in 2006. On 29 December 2007, his second daughter was born to Marina, his long-term partner whom he wed in October 2009. Their second daughter arrived in July 2011. Emelianenko practices Eastern Orthodox Christianity and attends services at St. Nicholas Church in Stary Oskol. His entrance music, oy, to ne vecher, was performed at his request by archdeacon Andrey Zheleznyakov from the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese. In February 2014, Emelianenko remarried his first wife.

Known for his modesty, peers describe Emelianenko as unassuming and uninterested in fame despite his accomplishments. He has explained that his drive to win is rooted in overcoming earlier hardships: "Years ago we barely had enough food. Now I earn more money and view every opponent as someone trying to push me back into that difficult time."

A sports psychologist noted Emelianenko’s intimidating demeanor during face-offs, emphasizing his expressionless stare that unsettles rivals more profoundly than overt aggression.

He trains alongside his youngest brother Ivan, who competes in Combat Sambo but lacks a comparable commitment to professional achievement.

In 2008, Emelianenko was among eighty Russian sports champions and cultural figures who participated in carrying the Olympic torch through St. Petersburg.

Though born in Ukraine, Emelianenko identifies ethnically as Russian and has expressed that while Russia and Ukraine are separate nations politically, he personally regards them as "still the same country."

On 21 January 2021, Emelianenko was admitted to a Moscow hospital after contracting COVID-19 and was discharged on 27 January after recovering.

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2009 Fedor: The Baddest Man on the Planet Himself Documentary Biography
2009 CNBC Originals: Ultimate Fighting: Fistful of Dollars Himself Archive footage
2010 The 5th Execution Fedor
2011 New York Mixed Martial Arts Himself Cameo; Documentary

Television

Year Program Role Details
2006 무한도전 (Infinite Challenge) Himself Featured guest; Season 04, Episodes 18 & 19 titled "Wrestling Challenges"
2007 Human Weapon Himself Brief appearance; Season 01, Episode 11: "Sambo"
2008 Inside MMA Himself Interview guest alongside Bas Rutten
2008 놀라운 대회 스타킹 (Starking) Himself Participated as a guest
2009 Sports Science Himself Guest role; Season 02, Episode 01: "Choked and Slammed"
2009 Inside MMA Himself Honored with Bazzie Award for KO Punch of the Year
2012 놀라운 대회 스타킹 (Starking) Himself Guest appearance featuring a Sambo demonstration with Chan Sung Jung
2012 クイズ☆タレント名鑑 (Talent Directory Quiz) Himself Competitor in Ultimate Sumo Championship 2012
2013 世界行ってみたらホントはこんなトコだった!? Himself Cameo role; Season 03, Episode 04: "Russia"
2013 ジャイアントキリング (Giant Killing) Himself Contestant in Sportsmen Arm-Wrestling World Finals
2014 The Voice Versus Himself Guest participant; Season 05, Episode 04: "The Voice Versus: Fedor"

Video games

Year Title Role
2003 PrideGP Grand Prix 2003 Playable character representation
2010 EA Sports MMA Playable character and cover athlete featured prominently

Advertising

Year Brand / Campaign Market / Notes
2008 Affliction Clothing Global advertising campaign
2009 Snickers Targeted South Korean market
2011 "Forward Sportswear" "Russian market focus"
2012 Mercedes-Benz Campaign for Russian market

Bibliography

Author(s) Title Publication Year Publisher ISBN

|- 

|Fedor Emelianenko, Glen Cordoza, Erich Krauss 
|Fedor: The Fighting System of the World's Undisputed King of MMA 
|2008 
|Victory Belt Publishing 
|9780977731541

|} |- 

|Fedor Emelianenko, Vasily Shestakov, Svetlana Eregina 
|Sambo: The Science of Winning 
|2012 
|OLMA Media Group 
|9785373048637

|}

See also

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