Strikeforce Preview: Fedor's Coach Says, "He Still Has the Same Character"

There are some fighters who have gone under extreme scrutiny for losing in specific fights where they are no longer envisioned as the same fighter. But that is not the case with Fedor Emelianenko.

Critics and fans suggest he retire from mixed martial arts while he is still somewhat relevant in the heavyweight division, even his upcoming opponent, Dan Henderson, believes the Russian has lost the motivation to fight. 

However, according to Emelianenko's longtime trainer, Vladimir Voronov, "The Last Emperor" is far from what fellow fighters and critics see him as.

"Fedor grew and matured a lot since his early years in the sport. There's a lot of changes, psychological and physiological. He still has the same character," Voronov told LowKick.com. 

"He trains all the time, since his childhood, and managed to maintain all his human qualities," he added.

The Russian has lost two consecutive bouts to Fabricio Werdum and Antonio Silva, respectively. Now seen as a blemish on his once-promising undefeated professional record, there have been those who voice their concern over Emelianenko's future as a mixed martial artist and consider he move down to 205 pounds.

But Voronov assured that Emelianenko is not making the quick transition anytime soon and plans to remain at heavyweight, where he compete against fellow legend, Dan Henderson, at a Strikeforce event on July 30.

"I can't see any sense in Fedor moving down to 205," he said.

"I think that if Fedor returns to the previous workload, today's heavyweights will struggle against him. The most important thing here is to have the right motivation and training regime."

Emelianenko will meet Henderson in a heavyweight bout that will likely determine the next step in his career. Henderson recently said that Emelianenko has lost the motivation and desire to fight any longer.

Contrary to Henderson's comments, Voronov said Emelianenko is very motivated for the fight and has prepared him for every situation possible.

"As coaches, we have done and are doing everything in our power to help Fedor reaching the peak of his physical and psychological condition. Now, everything depends on Fedor," he said.

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson is live on July 30, from the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill.