NEW YORK – Could we see Fedor Emelianenko compete in combat sports again? The MMA legend says it's possible.
After the Ki MMA launch event, MMA Junkie caught up with Emelianenko, who attended to support not only a former promoter but also a good friend, Scott Coker.
"The Last Emperor" was last in action in February 2023, when he lost a heavyweight title fight against Ryan Bader at Bellator 290. Although he's days away from his 50th birthday, Emelianenko says his fighting days might not be done.
"I keep training," Emelianenko told MMA Junkie in Russian through an interpreter. "I keep training with my team. I'm coaching my team, so I keep training. Competition-wise, if it's going to be a good offer, and it makes sense, why not (return)? I can compete
still."
While he's keeping his options open for the future, Emelianenko isn't necessarily looking for a return to MMA. Instead, he'd like to lace up his gloves and compete in the sweet science, like other former MMA champions who have completed their runs in the cage.
"We worked on boxing, so boxing is interesting," Emelianenko said.
As for an opponent, Emelianenko seems interested in squaring off with a fellow legend that got away during his prime, Randy Couture. Another big fight that never came to fruition was one against Brock Lesnar, which has gone down as one of the biggest what-ifs in heavyweight MMA. Between the two, though, Emelianenko would much rather compete against "The Natural," and joked that he would fight him today.
"I believe Randy would be much more interesting as a fighter," Emelianenko said. "I'm ready if he's ready."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Nearing 50, MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko still open to competing
