Unfortunately, the last fight of Fedor Emelianenko did not go at all the way the Emperor himself deserved and his many fans expected.

Initially, Scott Cocker planned to furnish his departure from the sport on a grand scale and organize a tournament on Red Square in Moscow, but due to the difficult geopolitical situation in the world, this was not destined to come true.

As a result, the legendary fighter was "escorted" to the "Kia Forum" designed for 17.5 thousand spectators - not the most spacious venue, but with a rich history.

So, until 1999, basketball Lakers and hockey Kings played their matches here, until they moved together to Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena).

Thus, the Russian had to fight in the same place where such stars as Wayne Gretzky, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant performed at different times - more than a worthy company.

Everything else was on par.

The duel between Fedor Emelianenko and Ryan Bader could safely be called one of the most exciting in recent times.

For four years, the Russian, directly or indirectly, has already crossed paths with the American three times.

In 2019, he suffered a crushing defeat from him in the heavyweight Grand Prix final and could not take the coveted trophy, but a year and a half later he took revenge, albeit with the hands of his pupil.

Vadim Nemkov knocked out the champion in two divisions at that time and took away his belt in light heavyweight.

And there could well have been no re-fight between Emelianenko and Bader if in January 2022 Valentin Moldavsky had not missed the chance to win the heavyweight title.

Their battle with Ryan lasted the planned five rounds, after which all three judges gave preference to the American.

The verdict turned out to be quite controversial, and Fedor himself decided to avenge his ward.

Luckily, everything was conducive to this.

A few months ago, he knocked out Timothy Johnson and returned to the top category.

But even that success did not allow Emelianenko to be considered a favorite in a rematch with Bader.

On paper, the American was superior to him in almost everything: he was much younger, not inferior in speed, had a powerful blow and still actively used wrestling skills.

What could not be said about Fedor, who, after the resumption of his career, practically abandoned grappling and did not please with his trademark ground and pound.

But the ex-PRIDE champion has always been famous for his ability to work wonders in the cage.

And why shouldn't he do it again in his farewell duel?

This is what made the former owner of the title of the organization Vitaly Minakov and the star Ivan Shtyrkov believe in his triumph.

But once again, Emelianenko was not destined to shock the world of mixed martial arts.

In the main battle of Bellator 290, there was practically no fight.

The Russian looked noticeably slower than the American on his feet, and his attempts to get his opponent on the jump were not successful.

Bader quickly found his distance and already in the first minute left the first mark on the applicant's face.

And with the same left hook that helped him knock out the Last Emperor in January 2019.

This time, Emelianenko survived and went for broke: according to tradition, he lowered his hands and continued to aim at the branded right overhand.

But, constantly retreating, it was extremely difficult to do this.

Bader pursued him and constantly attacked, and he did it with extreme precision and precision.

As a result, the right straight hit exactly at the temple and knocked Fedor off his feet, after which his position became extremely difficult.

Emelianenko spent the next one and a half minutes on the ground.

He very quickly allowed Bader to go into the half-guard and thereby almost doomed himself to defeat.

From this position, the American could freely both elbow and perform hammerfists, from which the Russian's face quickly turned into a bloody mask.

Herb Dean gave Fedor more than enough chances to recover and get back on his feet, but he was unable to move the physically powerful Ryan.

The beating continued, and exactly at the 2nd minute 30th second of the fight, the referee finally intervened.

The miracle didn't happen.

Emelianenko was defeated for the second time in his career in a fight with Bader and could not finish his performance in Bellator on a high note.

And already at the end of the battle, he announced his retirement from the sport, leaving the gloves in the center of the cage.

At that moment, many of his great colleagues came out to support the Russian fighter - both former opponents and just close friends.

Among them were such legends as Royce Gracie, Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Frank Shamrock and Josh Barnett, as well as Mark Coleman, Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen and Quinton Rampage Jackson.

“On the one hand, I am sorry that I could not please you today, dear friends.

On the other hand, I'm very happy.

I'm glad you all cheered for me.

I am glad that my friends have gathered here, the fighters who have been with me for these many years, decades.

Glad to see these faces.

I am very grateful that my friends came to support me.

Thanks a lot.

I think these people understand me better than anyone.

I finished.

Thank you.

That's it," Emelianenko said.