Khabib: I hope Fedor knows MMA has changed a lot

When Fedor Emelianenko announced that he was returning to MMA, the hardcore fanbase swooned – PRIDE never DIE.

UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has a Judo/Combat Sambo background similar to Fedor’s, respectfully says he hopes “The Last Emperor” understand that the sport has changed, a lot. “The Eagle” made the remarks on his VK account, a site popular among Russian speakers, similar to Facebook.

“I grew up fighting Fedor and would very much like him to come back,” wrote Khabib as translated by Karim Zidan for BE. “However, I don’t want him in Bellator, but in the UFC. All the men whom he lost to serve in that organization.”

“For starters, you can arrange a rematch with Bigfoot – it’s a good fight for the return. Then it would be interesting to put Fedor in the main event of the UFC’s first trip to Russia with Dan Henderson. And then the fight for the title with Werdum if he will still be champion. Those who are closely watching MMA understand that all this is real.”

“I hope Fedor understands that mixed martial arts has changed a lot. In any case, I wish him good health and good luck.”