Coach: Fedor has potential to be better than ever
“I think that Fedor Emelianenko’s potential is bigger than he achieved before. I know him from childhood. If he decided to return, it will be very serious.”
Sambo legend Vladimir Voronov has trained Fedor Emelianenko since the age of twelve. When they first met 25 years ago, the coach knew Fedor was special.
I saw a halo over his head … He was the chosen one, said Voronov in 2010 on the cable television station Russia Today. Overcoming laziness and tiredness, that is his way.
Now in a recent interview at M-1 Challenge 60, the coach said Fedor could be better than before.
“Fedor called and said he had such a wish [to return to MMA],” said Voronov, as translated by Karim Zidan for BE. “I fully supported him. I think that Fedor’s potential is bigger than he achieved before. I know him from childhood. If he decided to return, it will be very serious.”
‘The Last Emperor’ retired in June of 2012, but recently said he is in negotiations with the UFC, among other leagues, for his return, and desires a rematch with UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum.
Fedor and Voronov give a Sambo exhibition in Korea in 2006.