Fedor Emelianenko Loses to Antonio Silva, Ponders Retirement: Fall of a Legend

History has a funny way of revealing itself. As human beings, we take moments for granted and forget that history is made by every passing second.

For nearly a decade, Fedor Emelianenko has captured the hearts of fans all over the world.

As fans filed into the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J. on Saturday, no one could've prepared for the magnitude of the moment. When the lights dimmed and "Oy, da ne vecher" started to play, Emelianenko slowly walked to the ring/cage the same way he has throughout his career.

Did the cheering fans grasp the finality of the moment? Did Fedor?

"Yes, maybe it's the last time. Maybe it's high time [I retire]. Thanks for everything. I spent a great, beautiful and long sports life. Maybe it's God's will," Emelianenko said in his postfight interview after losing to Antonio Silva.

Emelianenko landed hard haymakers in the exchanges, but he wasn't able to crack Silva's massive chin. Silva was able to clinch the Russian against the cage and lean on him throughout the fight.

Despite being at a significant size disadvantage, Emelianenko was scrappy in his effort. An unsuccessful guillotine attempt late in the first round ended in a ground tussle, where Emelianenko was able to secure top position.

This was likely what swayed the minds of two judges, who reportedly scored the first round 10-9 for Emelianenko.

The second round was all Silva. After securing a well-timed takedown, he quickly transitioned to full-mount and proceeded to give the former Pride heavyweight champion the worst beating of his professional career.

Every attempt Emelianenko made to scramble free seemed futile. Silva's size and black belt-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu really showed in his ability to maintain top control while dishing out punishment.

"I trained hard for this fight with my camp," Silva said. "All the people say Fedor, Fedor, Fedor. I trained hard too, and I showed it to the world."

By the time the second round ended, Emelianenko's eye was swollen completely shut, forcing the doctor to call an end to the fight. The crowd didn't seem too pleased with the stoppage, but it was obviously warranted as a bloodied and battered Emelianenko contemplated his performance and future in the sport.

"Something went wrong from the very beginning, and I wasn't able to re-adjust myself. Maybe it's time for me to leave," Emelianenko said. "Thank you very much for your love, your warm reception and your support. Thank you, God, for everything."

If this is the end, Emelianenko will be remembered as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. He has crafted a legacy that will inspire fans and fighters for generations to come.

With this victory, Silva continues to prove his status as a top-10 heavyweight. He moves on to the semifinals, where he'll face the winner of Alistair Overeem and Fabricio Werdum.

Arlovski Loses His Fourth Straight

It was the same story, but different fighter on Saturday as Andrei Arlovski was defeated for a fourth consecutive time in his quarterfinal bout with Russian kickboxer Sergei Kharitonov.

Kharitonov seemed intent on closing the distance from the beginning as he pressed the action and cut off Arlovski's angles. When Arlovski competes, it seems like you're just waiting for that one punch to sift on through and separate him from consciousness.

Fans didn't have to wait long for the spectacular finish in this one. Kharitonov landed a hard looping right hand that dropped Arlovski in the first round. Smelling blood, the Russian pounced with a few vicious ground strikes that left the former UFC heavyweight champion cold at 2:27.

"I trained very hard, and I looked around the stands and saw so many people from Russia. Russia is the best. Thanks for the support," said Kharitonov, who moves on to face the winner of Josh Barnett and Brett Rogers. "I was nervous because Andrei is a very tough fighter. I respect his skills, and I respect him as a person."

Kharitonov is seen as a dark horse in the heavyweight tournament. Even though skeptics are quick to write him off, Kharitonov is fully confident in his chances of being crowned champion of the Strikeforce World Grand Prix.

"I could care less what experts think. I know I'm going to win this tournament," Kharitonov said.

World Grand Prix Quarterfinal Bouts

Antonio Silva defeats Fedor Emelianenko by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2.

Sergei Kharitonov defeats Andrei Arlovski by KO at 2:49 of Round 1.

Heavyweight Reserve Bouts

Shane Del Rosario submits Lavar Johnson by armbar at 4:31 of Round 1.

Chad Griggs defeats Gianpiero Villante by TKO at 2:49 of Round 1.

Valentijn Overeem submits Ray Sefo by neck crank at 1:37 of Round 1.

Preliminary Bouts

John Cholish submits Marc Stevens by kneebar at 3:57 of Round 2.

Igor Gracie submits John Salgado by arm triangle choke at 3:04 of Round 2.

Sam Oropeza defeats Don Carlo-Clauss by verbal submission (due to strikes) at 4:10 of round one.

Josh LaBerge defeats Anthony Leone by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 1.

Jason McLean defeats Kevin Roddy by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

SportsHaze.com Original