"I expressed my preference, but it will be Cocker who will decide": Fedor Emelianenko - about a possible opponent and Bellator tournament in Russia

- The Russian MMA Championship was held in Kemerovo.

How would you rate the level of organization of the event?

- It seems to me that it cannot be better.

Everything went great.

- The current tournament was attended by the head of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (

IMMAF

) Keret Brown.

How high is the likelihood that the mixed martial arts world championship will take place in Kemerovo in the future?

- Kemerovo already had experience in holding major competitions.

The Kuzbass region has established itself as one of the strongest not only in terms of educating fighters, but also organizing events.

Keret came to see a possible platform for future tournaments.

By communication with him, I realized that he was very satisfied, that he was disposed to arrange a major event here.

- This year the MMA Union of Russia celebrates its tenth anniversary.

How would you rate the work done over the years?

- It will take a long time to list what exactly was done.

The organization has offices in many cities and tries to hold tournaments in different regions.

The MMA Union of Russia has established itself as one of the best sports federations in the country.

We already have honored masters of sports and coaches.

In addition, our fighters successfully perform in international organizations - PFL, Bellator, UFC.

The same Peter Yan is a native of the union.

- As far as we know, in 2021 you are planning to hold another fight as part of your “farewell tour”.

Are you currently in the active preparation phase?

- Yes, I train, prepare.

I spar with the guys in Stary Oskol.

For example, with Valentin Moldavsky, who is preparing for the title fight for the vacant Bellator heavyweight belt.

Young people are preparing for the competition.

So I'm still in the ranks.

-

Bellator

President

Scott Cocker said that you were offered several rivals.

Have you already made your choice?

- It is said loudly.

We discussed this topic.

I have expressed my preference, but Scott will decide.

- Is the duel with your participation planned to be held at a tournament in Russia?

- As I understood from our conversations with Cocker, Bellator is going to put on a show in Russia.

I hope that our other guys will also be attracted to participate in it.

For example, Anatoly Tokov is the first contender for the title in the middle division, Valentin will fight soon.

Vadim Nemkov performs very powerfully.

Maybe a fight with the participation of guys will be arranged within the framework of this event.

- Among the opponents offered to you were Junior Dos Santos and Alistair Overeem?

- Yes.

I think they are good fighters.

But we'll see.

In the near future I will fly with Valentin Moldavsky to the USA.

There will be a detailed conversation about the future tournament in Russia and my fight.

- When it comes to Dos Santos and Overeem, many say: “Fedor should be pitied.

Don't let him go under the skating rink.

What do you think about it?

- Thank you very much for your concern.

But I'm ready to fight.

- There were also rumors that you might have a long-awaited battle with Brock Lesnar.

Was the

ex-

UFC

champion

in the pool of your potential opponents?

- As I understand it, Lesnar is not going to continue his career in MMA.

Basically, I'm ready.

The question is which platform.

- You yourself did not tell Cocker the name of an opponent with whom it would be interesting to fight just for you?

- There was one proposal, but I cannot divulge it.

You see, you are asking me, but there are things that Bellator must declare in the person of Scott.

The point of the promotion is to name the specific date of the competition and the name of the opponent.

- According to various information, before leaving the sport, you were going to have one or two fights.

This is true?

- Under the current contract with Bellator, I have two fights left.

But there is a clause in the agreement according to which I can end my career after the first of them.

Depending on how you feel.

- At the Russian MMA championship, rapper Dzhigan performed, who could become the next rival of your brother, Alexander Emelianenko.

What are your thoughts on this possible boxing fight?

- Nothing.

I'm not a fan of Djigan.

Probably, the singer needs to perform on stage, and the fighter needs to fight.

- Were you offered to fight with someone from the world of show business?

- No, but there were offers to perform according to the rules of boxing.

I'm not in a hurry yet.

- Recently, a lot of non-standard battles have been held, for example, the fight between bloggers Hasbullah and Abdurozik is widely discussed.

Is it permissible to conduct such duels?

- Personally, I am against such fights.

When I worked at the Ministry of Sports, there were many offers to arrange something like that.

For example, with the participation of football fans.

People who were related to martial arts wanted to arrange fights according to their own rules - to fight in the middle of car tires and the like.

But I am for the fights to be conducted as prescribed in the regulations.