The Assassination of Fedor Emelianenko While MMA fans will always be inclined to debate the pros and cons of their favorite fighter, it is quickly becoming an exercise in futility to argue about who is MMA’s greatest competitor. Having never known the ignominy of defeat, at least not in the true sense of the word, Fedor Emelianenko has dominated the world of mixed martial arts like no other fighter before him. Sure there were those who seemed invincible (Royce Gracie, Matt Hughes, Rich Franklin, and Mirko Cro Cop come immediately to mind) but, as time has proven, these once feared fighting gods have been exposed as mere mortals. Their reign as resident MMA badass was short lived, in as much as they were quickly replaced by ever evolving fighters such as Anderson Silva and Georges St. Pierre; fighters whose willingness to expand their repertoire of skills enabled them to make quantum leaps in the sport. Yet, what separates Fedor from the Silva’s and the GSP’s is the fact that not only has he never lost a match, but it can be reasonably argued that he has never even lost a single round in over eight years of professional fighting. Furthermore, he has never once been put in a disadvantageous position. Even when it appeared as if Fedor might be in trouble, as was the case with Fujita, who almost knocked him out, and Randleman who applied a textbook suplex that would have ended any other fighter’s career, Fedor managed to submit both opponents less than a minute after it looked like he was certainly going to be defeated. Such an uncanny ability to shrug off punishment is not just abnormal, it’s unheard of. While there have been many fighters who are able to absorb an absurd amount of abuse and still get their hand raised in victory at the end of the night (see Nick Diaz and his broken orbital bone), there has never been a fighter who appears to be immune to the physical suffering that often goes hand-in-hand with a top level MMA contest. It is the aura of invincibility, whether real or merely imagined, that has allowed Fedor to cast a Rasputin-like spell over the world of MMA.
A legend in his native Russia and Japan, Fedor has resoundingly destroyed a veritable who’s who of MMA legends, among them former UFC champions such as Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, Tim Sylvia, and current interim champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (twice). Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Fedor still struggles for respect in the United States and is even viewed by some (most notably UFC president Dana White) as having fought substandard competition…that is if you consider fighters like Matt Lindland, Mirko “Crocop” Filipovic, Kazyuki Fujita, Semmy Schilt, Heath Herring, and Ricardo Arnona to be substandard. Let’s face it, whether you like him or not, Fedor is the most fearsome, awe inspiring, champion in the history of MMA; he doesn’t just knock out his opponents, he annihilates them, and when he’s not putting his adversaries on “queer street” (sorry, Tim), he’s applying lightning fast submissions from which no one has been able to escape.
14 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Anthony Pole 9 months ago
Terrible :)
Consider these quick facts:
1- Barnett showed no superiority over Nog in ANY aspect of the game. Nog was faster, better stand-up, better wreslting, stronger, better knees, better clinch etc etc etc etc etc Their score is 1-1 VS each other with Barnett taking a controversial split decision in the first fight and losing the second fight as Nog basically beat him like a punching bag.
Now think of what Fedor did to Nog...
2- Barnett was getting absolutely destroyed by Aleks before Aleks suffered an injury (Aleks also came in very sick for that fight. Pride tried to have him cancel, but he came in anyway)
Now consider that Fedor toys with Aleks in training, beating him with the greatest of ease daily. There is even a video of their Sambo match. Fedor won in 2 minutes.
3- Barnett turned down the Fedor fight 4 times. (You can even see it on video. Real Deal press conference. yet he did take the Nog fight instead. That proves that Josh doesn't share your optimistic appraisal of his chances VS the MMA God.
4- You're getting WAY ahead of yourself if you think Barnett will easily beat Arlovski. Don't you want to wait for that fight BEFORE you talk?
5- Barnett's last 3 opponents are not top 10. Arlovski's are.
6- Why do you bring up Rich Franklin and others as "invinsible"??? Rich got his ass handed to him in Japan just before UFC started marketing him as invincible...
cheers,
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Brett Puddy 9 months ago
Was Jake O'Brien a top 10 fighter when he fought Arlovski?
I wasn't saying that Franklin was invincible but rather that, for a brief time, he seemed unbeatable in much the same way that Gracie, Hughes, and others were considered unbeatable. Also, who did Franklin lose to in Japan? His professional record is 24-3 with his only losses coming from Silva (twice) and Machida.
I enjoy a good debate. You brought up some interesting ideas in your response. Who knows, Barnett may never end fight Fedor. Arlovski might beat both of them. All I know is that in MMA nothing is for certain.
Peace
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Anthony Pole 9 months ago
Brett,
I totally forgot about O'Brein lol. It was still a good win for Andrei, Jake was coming off a massive win streak (including victory over Herring) I was thinking of Andrei's 2 last fight, not 3. My bad.
I never bought the "Rich franklin is invincible" UFC hype BS. Machida owned him in Japan, Rich only beat unranked fighters after that, so I never believed the hype. Fedor is different, nobody needs to hype him as invincible, because he actually is, unlike Rich.
Hughes was a dominant champion, but he is 1-dimensional, not the new breed of MMA fighters, while fedor is the prototype of the future MMA fighter. I don't think comparing him to Hughes or Royce or Rich is fair.
Royce was the right man at the right time, but he was not that good, he beat bums with no sub defense.
fedor's domination is far beyond anything Hughes or Royce can ever imagine. Think of it this way! fedor was #1 for the last almost 7 years. Nobody you named stayed afloat for half that time:
Fedor was #1 a year before Rich started his "dominant" run, and look where both men are today...
Royce dominated for 1 year...
Hughes dominated for 2 years...
7>2
(I think Barnett owns, don't get me wrong. I like your article too. cheers bro!)
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Adam Schoonover 9 months ago
I say Fedor lost 2 round KO. =)
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Anthony Pole 9 months ago
I say the price for gas goes down to 3 cents tomorrow =)
(Notice that both of the above statements have no factual nor logical nor historical precedent basis supporting them)
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Adam Schoonover 9 months ago
How about 11 cents? Could that happen? =)
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Anthony Pole 9 months ago
well, After all Rashad did KO The Iceman Chuck Liddell... Maybe 12 cents a gallon!
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KEVIN PUDDY 9 months ago
to Anthony
mmath 101: fighter A > fighter B, does not mean fighter A > fighter C. In conclusion styles make fights. Each one will be different.
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Anthony Pole 9 months ago
KEVIN,
If style make fights than Josh is REALLY screwed VS Fedor. Josh relies on his subs. Now think: Who has the best sub defense in MMA?
Thank you. Next please.
Josh has had problems with strikers thru his career; Crocop and Rizzo, as well as Aleks owning him standing prior to an injury. Seeing as how Fedor outstruck Crocop with one hand, and absolutely destroys Aleks standing in training we'd have to yet again concede that stylistically Josh is completely and totally screwed VS Fedor in this department as well.
Josh has also struggled with GnP in the past (see Crocop-Barnett 3) Now think: Who has the best GnP in MMA?
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Todd Jackson 9 months ago
I would like to add that Aleks is no where near the talent level of his brother. Comparing them or expecting a similar talent level or outcome when comparing who has fought who doesnt seem accurate. I think Fedor is a great champion and who ever denies that is just being assinine. One thing I think he could have done better was find a way to justify coming to the UFC. Not so much because that is where the best fighters are as some would say but more so to lay to rest the argument of who is the best. There is no doubt in my mind that Fedor would have had much success in the Octogon and in that respect he could have solidified his legacy. UFC is the mainstream of this sport and it would have served him well to at least leave no question by competing there and more than likely dominating it as well as all other promotions he has graced with his talent. Its unfortunate that the likes of dollar signs and contracts are keeping the best heavyweight the world will ever see out of the brightest spotlight for him to showcase himself. As for my earlier point, not my inention to argue about his brother, there was just a point about his fight with Barnett and giving credit for having beat Aleks. I dont think you can predict anything that worked against Aleks will benefit Barnett against Fedor. Ive seen them all fight and Aleks really isnt in the same league.
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Anthony Pole 9 months ago
Todd,
Good points. 2 things:
1- The best heavyweights are not in UFC. UFC has 3 top heavyweights (Nog, Randy, Werdum), and one of them got his but handed to him by Fedor on 2 occasions, while the other 2 are on the record turning the Fedor fight down, and all 3 of them have stated that Fedor is the best. The best heavyweights are free agents currently fighting for Affliction and co-promoting with others (Fedor, Barnett, Arlovski, Tim, Sergei, Aleks)
2- UFC's popularity is a questionable topic. Nobody cares, nor gives a crap about UFC outside USA and England. the rest of the world watched Pride, and now watches other shows. Consider the difference: In UFC a main eventer can get paid 15'000 dollars, and fight in front of 5'000 booing rednecks, while in Pride Fedor fought for 3 mil in front of 75'000 live respectful spectators. Hence I don't think UFC is the end all of MMA world. There is plenty of MMA outside UFC.
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Todd Jackson 9 months ago
Im sorry Anthony, I miss-represented myself. I totally agree the best heavyweights are not all in the UFC. That wasnt the impression I was trying to give, I must have worded it wrong. Sorry. My point wasnt that he would be able to fight the best just showcase himself to one of the larger mma audiences. A lot of casual fans werent rounded up until the TUF shows started thus missing some of the history of a great promo like Pride or early UFC contests. Point is many of the rednecks you mentioned really think the UFC is it, they may never have seen alternates like Bodog. I am not one of them. I go all the way back to bare knuckles and Gi's. The second point wasnt to glorify the UFC only to state he seems to have dominated all respectable promotions he has graced and could have done the same in the UFC so as to put to bed the arguement that he isnt the best which he is. Its a shame he and Randy couldnt have fought when Randy was a little closer to young than he is or will be moving forward. Overall he may not have felt it necessary. It would have put him in a position though to not be doubted by anyone as he is now for not having done so. Your figures for payment seem extreme. Someone of Fedors stature could expect a pretty penny more than 15 grand to headline. Overall, I think you obviously dont need my explanation, your well versed in the realities of the how and the why. I was speculating more than anything and dont intend to challenge your points. I really miss pride for the record. It was a great organization that could really put on a show. I do understand there are other organizations but overall I do see the UFC as the dominant option. The most readily available and widespread. Not the end all by any means but it is the Fedor of promotions if you will. Its not going anywhere or going to be challenged by any other promo out there. Take care sir, and thanks for commenting back on my opinions.
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Matt Reekie 9 months ago
I'm a big fan of Barnett and think he will beat Arlovski (better-rounded, more durable and more intelligent) but if he fights Fedor I'm sorry to say I don't give him a chance in hell. Everything he's good at Fedor's better at. A lot better at. As people have stated it's impossible to be 100% certain in MMA but the educated guess would definitely be in the russian's favour.
On a side note, catch wrestling (or 'catch-as-catch-can' to give it's full name) isn't all that mysterious. It's a folk style from Lancashire here in the UK that has, as you correctly state, a big emphasis on submissions. Isn't it the style Sakuraba uses as well?
Very good article by the way Brett. Your writing has a lot of flair
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Emperor 9 months ago
Good article, but he stands very little chance of beating Fedor. You think too highly of Josh. Like Matt already said, Fedor can do everything Barnett does only better and faster. Fedor stands all alone at the top of MMA, and I doubt there's a man walking this earth that could challenge him (let alone beat the man)
That's why the heavyweight division of MMA doesn't interest me no more although I'm looking forward to Nog-Mir, should be some great BJJ exhibition (with Nog obviously as victor), but Fedor fights aren't interesting if you love competition
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dj durst 9 months ago
Everyone knows that to make it big in the MMA in USA you have to go to UFC. Thats why most of the idiots around here call it Ultimate Fighting. Fedor wasn't worried about making it big here, probably why he never really even tries to learn the language. He wanted to fight the best and everyone seems to think,in the Heavies, Randy is it. The reason it didnt work out with the UFC really had little to do with money as eh was offered more than any other guy (Even Brock) but they wanted exclusivity and he still competes in Sambo in Russia. Which he does from pride of his Country and Dana wanted to make him stop. So he told Dana where to go.
I firmly believe that he does what he does for the personnal pride nowadays. He has said himself that he has plenty of money. So he just wants to be the Best. He will continue to mow down whoever is in front of him until there is only Him. Then walk away gracefully in the sunset. With a sign on his back saying Anderson Who?
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Todd Jackson 9 months ago
That is some great insight as to why he never signed up. I watched an interview, and old one, with Fedor last night. Just trying to familiarize myself with him a bit more. He was so well spoken and considerate of respect, even when talking about the likes of Kimbo Slice. Who hasnt earned an ounce of respect in the MMA game. I would buy that he is avoiding the UFC due to limitations they would like to put on him. Im sure they feel its necesary to protect their investments once signed and would worry about the risk of injury with him competing elsewhere. Too bad though. He is the pinnacle of the sport as far as fighters go and deserves to be seen in the mainstream. Its a shame Pride went down, he was doing well there. He still is for that matter, he just wont get any comp over at affliction. Come to think of it he wont get any comp anywhere. The guy is too good. By the way, Silva may not have the lengthy history of Fedor, but he is establishing the same type of legacy, if he keeps going the way he has, side by side they will look equally astonishing. Thats mere speculation on my part of course, but I see great promise in Silva. His fights are more controlled than anything Ive seen from Fedor, with similar outcomes thus far.
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Kevin Curran 9 months ago
the answer to your headline
Josh is great
Fedor is unreal. Fedor murders barnett
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CJ Daconta 9 months ago
I know a lot of people love Fedor, and I cant denie he is good, but I personally dont think he is all that great. He is a heavyweight and I have not yet watched a heavy weight match that I have gone "holy shit that was awesome!" Personally being the best in the heavyweights is like winning a spelling bee against kids with down syndrome. I think he is only the best heavyweight, not the best fighter ever.
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Bkilla 9 months ago
I liked the article, just not the part about him easily getting past Arvloski. We will see who wins that fight, and then start debating on whether or not they have a chance against Fedor.
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Joseph Lupoli 9 months ago
I'll tell you, it's not far-fetched for me to envision EITHER Arlovski or Barnett beating Fedor by close decision. Look at it this way: Obviously Fedor wants to continue his fighting career. How many MMA fighters have retired on their own terms undefeated? (Actually, I don't know that answer. Somebody, please tell me). I doubt very many have. One has to figure that sooner or later, Fedor is going to have an off night. And Arlovski or Barnett are not the guys I'd want to want to get lazy or careless with if I were Fedor.
Now don't get me wrong: I don't see Fedor as having any glaring weak spots (unless you consider the fact that he cuts like wet Kleenex, a weak spot). Having seen all of fedor's fights, I must conclude that he is a rare wrecking machine of a diamond-in-the-ruff who's at the top of his game. Only would inactivity due to contract hassles be a liability for Fedor.
No, I don't see anyone beating fedor anytime soon, but...(__________________________________) Would Somebody please fill in the "what if" blank?
Thanks for reading, all...and very well-written article, Brett!
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