Fedor Emelianenko announces the passing of longtime coach and mentor Vladimir Voronov

Russian heavyweight icon Fedor Emelianenko faces the prospect of completing his MMA journey without the company of the man who guided him through his career.

Emelianenko (39-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) revealed via social media that his longtime coach Vladimir Voronov has passed away aged 55.

With Voronov by his side, “The Last Emperor” developed into the most feared heavyweight in MMA as Emelianenko embarked on a near-decade-long undefeated run that ran from December 2000 to June 2010 and spanned his remarkable tenure with Japanese promotion PRIDE FC.

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Умер мой тренер Владимир Михайлович Воронов. ⠀ С самого детства Владимир Михайлович был частью семьи, требовательным наставником. Он всегда был рядом в тяжёлые и счастливые моменты моей жизни. ⠀ Владимир Михайлович был не только тренером, но и отцом для многих спортсменов. Он вырастил чемпионов, сильных духом, верил в молодых ребят и помогал найти им свою дорогу в жизни. ⠀ Прошу ваших молитв о новопреставленном Владимире. Мои самые искренние соболезнования родным и близким Владимира Михайловича.

A post shared by Федор Емельяненко (@fedoremelianenkoofficial) on Aug 29, 2020 at 12:04am PDT

Posting to Instagram, Emelianenko said (via translation), “My coach Vladimir Mikhailovich Voronov has died. From childhood, Vladimir Mikhailovich was part of the family, a demanding mentor. He was always there in difficult and happy moments of my life.

“Vladimir Mikhailovich was not only a coach, but also a father to many athletes. He raised champions, strong in spirit, believed in young guys and helped them find their way in life. I ask for your prayers for the newly departed Vladimir. My most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Vladimir Mikhailovich.”

Emelianenko recently held talks with Bellator president Scott Coker about the final fights of his career, but now it remains to be seen whether the loss of his coach will motivate him to continue in Voronov’s honor, or bring the curtain down on his career earlier than anticipated.