Fedor: I’ll be back
Fedor Emelianenko: “Yes, because I am a fighter. … Certainly, I would love to have the rematch with Matt Mitrione.”
The greatest fighter in heavyweight history, Fedor Emelianenko, lost at Bellator NYC is startling fashion. He and opponent Matt Mitrione landed simultaneous punches and both dropped.
The younger Mitrione came to and saw Fedor down and attacked. Fedor was still trying to win, but was obviously on queer street, and went out when a big shot landed.
At the post-fight press conference, he vowed to fight on.
Yes, because I am a fighter, said Emelianenko via a translator, as transcribed by Shaun Al-Shatti for MMA Fighting.
Certainly, I would love to have the rematch with Matt Mitrione. It happened so that the movements were just mutual ones, and certainly Matt used the situation.
I don’t think that I would have changed anything during my preparation for this particular fight, because I would be training the same way with my coaches. And I can tell you that during my camp, I just worked out really with all my energy, invested all my energy and forces into it.
I’m feeling, myself, very good [right now]. I just got the doctor’s inspection, so everything was good.
Chael Sonnen won the main event, and then called out Fedor.
We’re in different weight divisions, reminded Fedor.
Fedor has a two-fight contract with Bellator, with the option of a third fight should he choose to do so. He is on record as saying he intends to retire in Bellator.
Hopefully Bellator gets another fight for the 40-year-old Fedor and hopefully it is not a world-class heavyweight in his prime like Matt Mitrione. Fedor weighed in at 236 for the event, and Sonnen at 206. If The Gangster from Oregon moves up a little, and The Last Emperor drops a little, that would be a very fun fight.