MMA's Fedor Emelianenko: Critiquing Perfection

Fedor Emelianenko has developed skills unmatched in Mixed Martial Arts. Critics express the supposed disadvantages of Fedor’s skill set. Criticisms are necessary in regards to greatness; however, all critics must understand and accurately display the disadvantages through fact and not UFC propaganda.

Fedor’s main criticism is his ability to stand and strike against the best in the sport. Apparently, Fedor looked unimpressive during his bout against Arlovski; consequently, people critiqued his striking ability. Arlovski is perhaps the best heavyweight striker in history and has a superior skill set pertaining to striking. In the bout, Arlovski was the aggressor and, like all Fedor’s opponents, kept the fight to Arlovski’s own personal preference.  Despite Arlovski’s best efforts he was knocked out, but Fedor’s unique striking style was critiqued. Fedor has a unique stance and throws seemingly wild punches—which illustrates poor striking? The truth is, Fedor lands the majority of punches with superior power and, while he appears to be ducking and throwing wild punches, the movements are actually set up points for perhaps the best counter punch in the sport. If you notice in his last two fights, the opponents were both beginning to strike and were caught. Brett Rodgers threw a jab, which Fedor knowingly read and slipped and delivered a near perfect counter. People critique areas not completely understood and, since Fedor allows opponents to choose their preferable style, Fedor has not been praised on his striking.

Fedor’s wrestling is perceptibly average, although he has humiliated Olympic wrestlers. The majority of critics must understand Fedor does not wrestle; instead, he has mastered Sambo, which has minimal wrestling. Unfortunately, Sambo is underestimated in America due to the lack of UFC fighters proclaiming the style. Sambo incorporates a variety of specific styles all within one discipline and results in well-rounded fighters. Regardless, all wrestlers, despite size, are eventually submitted.

Fedor’s size is, often times, considered a disadvantage. In my opinion, size is one distinct and accurate disadvantage. Fedor had difficulty with Mark Hunt’s size, but still submitted him late in the first round due to superior cardio. Since Fedor is an extremely small heavyweight, his cardio surpasses all other heavyweights—thus countering the size disadvantage. Heavier fighters such as Brock Lesnar and Mark Hunt inevitably tire and become increasingly vulnerable.

Fedor is truly the premier fighter in MMA and has developed skills unmatched in the sport. Fedor has the quickest hands for any heavyweight, the most devastating ground and pound from open guard, and the most fluent submissions. Despite all the superb features of his fighting style people will always criticize Fedor’s ability. Perhaps the most humorous element in the ongoing debate is that Fedor permits opponents to choose their fighting style—and yet Fedor continually prevails. Conceivably, Fedor’s confidence to fight everyone in their desired fighting style is his only disadvantage.   

There is no doubt Fedor will lose, but the defeat will ONLY result from Fedor’s over confidence and in standing with an opponent with knock out power. Fedor could have ended the last three fights via submission but, instead, indulged his opponents.