Fedor Emelianenko Announces His Retirement, Trashes Rampage Jackson at Bellator 237

Fedor Emelianenko knocked out Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in the first round of Bellator 237, at Saitama Arena in Japan and declared his retirement. The fight lasted for 2:44 seconds before Fedor sent Rampage (38-14 MMA, 5-3 BMMA) to the floor, but what came after that was an even greater shock.

The “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (39-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) announced that he retires from combat sports and that his journey stops here.

“Unfortunately and regretfully, my career stops here,” he said, “with a win in Japan where I started. I am finishing my career here, thank you very much for supporting me over the years.” Fedor concluded wishing all the best to his fans all over the world.

Vintage Fedor performance against Rampage (via @BellatorMMA) pic.twitter.com/wARMH8jZns

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 29, 2019

Emelianenko showcased why was he one of the best in the world, and shut down all the critics who doubted him after the loss against Ryan Bader. In a highly-anticipated match, which ended as many predicted, the Russian legend hadn’t allowed the former UFC champion to threaten at least once.

He would send a right jab directly towards Jackson’s face, and sent the big fella down on the canvas. While lying, Rampage waived his head as a sign that he can’t continue the match, and on the other side, Fedor didn’t engage in a ground and pound finish.

This was his 14th win in Saitama, the place where he stands unbeaten, and where he has a special connection with the audience. Emelianenko won most of his trophies right here and is a fan favorite.

“I’m very happy that one more time, I was here and make you happy,” he stated following the event. “Here’s where I got your love guys, I am very happy to entertain you.”

Happy retirement Fedor 🙏🙏#BellatorJapan https://t.co/xTnw3oM7L8

— MMA India (@MMAIndiaShow) December 29, 2019

Arguably the best MMA fighter ever, had a rich and long career. He made his pro debut back in 2000, and throughout these 19 years, he won multiple titles in multiple federations. Fedor was picked by Sports Illustrated as the Fighter of the decade in the 2000’s and had a Fight of the Decade against Mirko Cro Cop.

MMA Fighting had the same opinion about him, as well as Fight Magazine. With an elegant and versatile style of battle, which hasn’t been seen before, he established himself as the standard for all other fighters. He had 30 finishes, many of them coming after superb knockouts, like the one against Andrei Arlovski ten years ago. Truly, his legacy will stay forever, and any agree that a fighter like that won’t be seen in a long time.

In other fights at Bellator 237, Michael Chandler knocked out Sidney Outlaw after 2:59 of the first round. It was an expected outcome, because Outlaw didn’t have too much time to prepare after Benson Henderson pulled out from a previously scheduled bout.

https://twitter.com/OnMMA/status/1211147404013187072

Michael “Venom” Page knocked out Shinsho Anzai in the second round via another fantastic knockout. Once again, Page (17-1 MMA, 13-1 BMMA) proved that he is the most entertaining fighter in Bellator and that his fights present a treat for the fans all around the world.

A powerful right hand that ended on Anzai’s (11-4 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) face sent him to the canvas and forced the official in the ring, Jason Herzog, to immediately stop the bout. The fact that Anzai was stepping towards his rival only made this punch even stronger, and it is no wonder why he fell like domino.

Previously Lorenz Larkin beat Keita Nakamura.