Fedor Emelianenko is the legendary heavyweight who dominated the world of mixed martial arts for over two decades.
Fedor Emelianenko is the legendary heavyweight who dominated the world of mixed martial arts for over two decades. He may have retired from MMA but he’s not done with combat sports just yet. The Russian powerhouse is considering a venture into the world of boxing and has his eyes set on a potential showdown with another iconic figure ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson.
Emelianenko officially ended his MMA career with a first-round knockout victory over Ryan Bader at Bellator 290 in February. This marks his 40th win in a storied career. While a return to MMA is off the table, the allure of boxing has piqued his interest.
In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Emelianenko revealed his curiosity about testing his heavy hands in the boxing ring. “MMA is done, 100 percent. I’m not going back to MMA. I want to try boxing. I think that’s going to be interesting,” he said.
The possibility of stepping into the squared circle has ignited Emelianenko’s competitive spirit. He has been honing his skills and working on his boxing technique feeling confident and eager to explore a new challenge.
The idea of a potential clash with former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson particularly excites Emelianenko. Reflecting on a recent fight he watched between Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. Emelianenko noted that Tyson’s enduring power and name recognition make him an intriguing opponent.
“He has a big name, he’s a legend… It would be interesting because you can see a lot of his videos on YouTube and all over the place, he’s still in good shape. He still works pads, he still has that same power,” Emelianenko explained.
Tyson is known for his ferocious boxing style and his reign as one of the most dominant heavyweights in history. He remains an iconic figure in combat sports. Emelianenko’s willingness to step into the ring with Tyson showcases his fearless attitude and his desire to take on the best.
While Emelianenko believes in his boxing abilities. He maintains a grounded perspective. “Of course, I’m not as good as Mike Tyson, but it would be interesting,” he acknowledged. With more than two decades of experience in MMA. Emelianenko possesses a well-rounded skill set that includes boxing, wrestling, sambo, and judo. This comprehensive background gives him confidence as he contemplates a potential boxing career.
Emelianenko’s willingness to embrace new challenges extends beyond just Tyson. He also addressed the possibility of facing social media star turned-boxer Jake Paul. While acknowledging Paul’s growth as a fighter, Emelianenko noted the size difference between them and suggested that Paul’s opponent choices tend to favor his boxing style.
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