Fedor Emelianenko Could Definitely Beat These 5 UFC Heavyweights

Fedor Emelianenko just about had it all. Everything but the big blue ox. He was an ice-veined wrecking machine from the cinematic-sounding Stary Oskol, Russia. As he destroyed one man after another, his blood never seemed to reach room temperature.

All that seems like a long time ago now. It seems like decades have passed since Fedor's super-brainy brain trust got their kicks by dangling the champ in front of Dana White like a raw T-bone, only to yank it out of reach at the last moment—Lucy to his Charlie Brown. 

But their T-bone is just another pound of hamburger now. After an insane 28-fight unbeaten streak, Emelianenko lost three straight. And the three he won before that—against Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski and Brett Rogers—look less impressive all the time. And those two straight wins in late 2011 weren't enough to fool anyone into thinking the old Fedor was back. 

Don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those guys who thinks Emelianenko's recent string proves he was never equal to the hype. Judging him on his recent exploits is like judging Michael Jordan based on what he did with the Washington Wizards. But still, facts are facts. Fedor is 35, highly grizzled and highly past his peak.

To the surprise of no one, the UFC is relishing its newly strong hand at the bargaining table, insisting a deal will never happen. And hey, maybe it won't, especially since Fedor doesn't appear to stack up well against the top of the UFC's heavyweight division. But he could still slot in somewhere.

Here are five guys I think he could almost definitely certainly probably beat in the Octagon. 

5. Christian Morecraft

I'm slightly surprised that the UFC is still contracting with Morecraft and his 1-3 Octagon record. But they are.

He can knock a guy out on the feet if you let him, but his bread and butter is ground-and-pound.

He'd give Fedor a run on the mat, though Morecraft's tendencies would in this case land him directly in his opponent's wheelhouse. 

4. Chad Griggs

Griggs is easy to like; he's one of those guys who does his best to put on a show.

He came up short against Travis Browne in his first UFC fight, but he still has all 11 of his wins by a striking-related stoppage.

He would test Fedor's chin before ultimately going out on his shield.

3. Philip De Fries

Geez, Arianny. At least try to look interested.

As with Morecraft, De Fries' skill set would play right into Emelianenko's hands. In the Englishman's case, a physical jiu-jitsu game has notched him seven of his eight pro wins by tapout.

So his instincts will lead De Fries groundward, but once there, he won't be able to control the combat Sambo champion.

2. Cheick Kongo

Plain and simple: Kongo doesn't have the tools to hang with Emelianenko on the ground.

1. Mark Hunt

Yes, yes, I'm also very impressed with Mark Hunt. He's the feel-good story of the year.

But the K-1 champ would go down (literally) to Fedor if they fought today, just as he did when Emelianenko kimura'd him back in 2006, with the Pride heavyweight strap on the line.

Hunt's takedown defense is fine, but I'm not sure he could stand up (once again, literally) to Fedor's attack.