MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko has retired after his loss to Ryan Bader at Bellator 290. The 46-year-old had announced his plans to retire regardless of the outcome at Bellator 290 and stuck to his word. Several notable figures from the MMA world, including some of his past opponents, attended the event to bid farewell to “The Last Emperor” as he vacated his throne.
Emelianenko’s second outing against Bader was not really a far cry from the first. Bader made quick work of the former Pride FC and Strikeforce champion in the very first round. With his first-round TKO win, Bader became the only person in history to hold two wins over the Russian legend.
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Over a career spanning 23 years and several accolades in combat sports, Emelianenko fought the cream of the crop on his best days. However, his swan song was not as sweet as he wanted as he fell short in his pursuit of the Bellator heavyweight championship.
Fans react to Fedor Emelianenko retiring at Bellator 290
Fans and pros paid their respect to the legendary Emelianenko after his retirement at Bellator 290. Many of them were heartbroken at the way the legendary career ended. However, there were those that were not surprised by the result as well.
Ryan Bader wins via first-round TKO. It was never close.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 5, 2023
Ryan Bader dispatches Fedor Emelianenko with ground and pound in the first round.
He'll be the first and only person to hold two wins over Fedor in his career. #Bellator290
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) February 5, 2023
Can we just start having retirement parties with cake, legends, and ring girls. We don’t even need the fight, just skip it.
— MS (@UFC_Obsessed) February 5, 2023
Man Bader is a dick
— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey) February 5, 2023
There were parts to Fedor's game that put him ahead of his time, but a good portion of what made his style work was also athleticism and explosive ability. So much of that is gone and has been for some time. The ride needed to come to a close.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) February 5, 2023
Ryan Bader is a bad mfkr
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 5, 2023
FEDOR LOSING LIKE THAT IN HIS RETIREMENT FIGHT ISN'T FAIRpic.twitter.com/58zSvJ53nA
— Robbie Fox (@RobbieBarstool) February 5, 2023
Can they give Fedor one more fight against somebody with a 7-49 record like they do in boxing. He doesn’t deserve this
— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey) February 5, 2023
Tats Fedor legacy he doesn't take easy fights, he is prize fighter
He is truly the last emperor#GOAT— Little Master (@anand316) February 5, 2023
Fedor getting the Frankie Edgar retirement treatment makes me big sad 🫠 #Bellator290
— Jeff Molina (@jmolina_125) February 5, 2023
Another legend down fedor you was a dawg thank you 🙏
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 5, 2023
Damn that was sad but cool to see all the legends get in there and support Fedor 🐐
— Dan Ige (@Dynamitedan808) February 5, 2023
Thank you Fedor 🙏 #PRIDENeverDie
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) February 5, 2023
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Still love you fedor! Hope he has a great life in retirement. Brutal sport. https://t.co/CTKGpUKpCb
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) February 5, 2023
Emelianenko had previously made clear his decision to retire for good after Bellator 290. However, boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. had an offer for him. The former four-weight champion wanted to face Emelianenko in an MMA cage. Fans will have to wait and see if this was indeed the last of “The Last Emperor” that we saw in action.
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ALSO READ– MMA Legend Fedor Emelianenko Slams ‘Trash-Talkers’ in His Farewell Speech
What are your thoughts on Fedor Emelianenko’s last fight? Do you think he got the farewell he deserved? let us know in the comments below.
