Strikeforce: Fedor Emelianenko Discusses Retirement, a Move to 205 Lbs

After suffering two consecutive losses for the first time in his career, it became apparent that Fedor Emelianenko would retire from mixed martial arts. 

However, the Russian heavyweight does not consider his time to be over and said he leaves his career in the hands of a higher power. In an interview with MMAWeekly.com, Emelianenko said he evaluated his career when he returned to Russia, and decided he isn't leaving anytime soon.

“I did speak of retiring and it was said in haste," Emelianenko said.

“After this I was absolutely sure that it is not the time for retirement and I must continue to fight. Now I’m training and preparing for the next battle with Dan Henderson. We will look at the circumstances after and evaluate then.”

His next opponent will be Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion, Dan Henderson, in a main event bout scheduled for July 30. A win for either competitor will add onto their legendary resumes respectively, but "The Last Emperor" doesn't look at his career as a legacy. Throughout his career, Emelianenko has battled through adversity and earned remarkable wins over some of the greatest fighters of all-time. And due to his aura and overall record, many fans would consider Emelianenko to be the greatest fighter of all-time.

However, Emelianenko prefers to not glorify his career in any particular way and remains humble.

“I am human like everyone else. I don’t consider my achievements as a ‘legacy,’ he said.

"I’ve never considered myself as a ‘legend’—just a simple man with heart,” Emelianenko stated. “I have been blessed to have competed with success."

Recently, there have been talks of seeing Emelianenko drop down to 205 lbs to revitalize his career following his two losses. He has always been regarded as a small heavyweight but Emelianenko's focus is only on his upcoming bout with Henderson. For now, it seems Emelianenko will continue his career one fight at a time.

“I have competed as a heavyweight all my career and this contest with Dan Henderson will be in this weight class as well. I will prepare to the best of my abilities. What happens after is God’s will," he said.