For some, NFL is no match for Fedor
There’s only a handful of fighters who can get enough young men off their couches to fill a gym on…
There’s only a handful of fighters who can get enough young men off their couches to fill a gym on a football Sunday. Fedor Emelianenko is one of those fighters.
The man many have lauded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time hosted a two-hour crash course in fighting Fedor-style for 40 prospects at the M-1 Global Training Center in Chatsworth.
The 34-year-old Emelianenko, who has bested no fewer than five former UFC champions in his dominant tenure, saw his unmatched 10-year, 28-fight victory streak come to a dramatic end when he tapped out to Fabricio Werdum in 69 seconds in June in Strikeforce.
On Sunday, Emelianenko proved to be a much more animated teacher than might have been expected of a stoic fighter known for emotion-free performances.
Surrounded by his sea of students, a booming Emelianenko lectured through his translator on the art of counter-striking, baiting and distracting opponents and controlling one’s distance from a foe.
Fighters make mistakes when they take longer strides. I’m never running at my opponent, said Emelianenko, who demonstrated his own technique by pivoting and throwing combinations into the air. I’m faster when I’m taking smaller steps in any direction.
As his students practiced, Emelianenko surveyed the crowd and made eye contact with a confused participant, encouraging him to ask his question. The former Pride Fighting Championships titleholder demonstrated again, making sure his pupil understood what adjustments needed to be made to his stance.
Da, da, Emelianenko approved with an easy smile as the fighter tried again with better success.