With two Bellator fights left, Fedor Emelianenko has a lot of names mind for retirement tour

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – “The Last Emperor” is embarking on the last ride of his mixed martial arts career, and it’s one he plans on enjoying.

A unanimous all-time legend often talked about as the greatest heavyweight of all time, Fedor Emelianenko has already accomplished so much in his career. With two fights left on his Bellator deal, however, he plans on honoring his contract. He’ll return Oct. 23 in Moscow – a fight he’s looking forward to.

“I’m feeling great,” Emelianenko told MMA Junkie on Friday through a translator. “I’m very excited to be back (and) to be fighting in Moscow. We had a situation that didn’t let us do the first fight, so now I’m back, and I’m very excited to do so. … I feel great. I can’t relax just yet. I’m working with the young guys, and I can’t let them get on top of me just yet.”

The event at VTB Arena will be Bellator’s debut in Russia – a plan the promotion was working on at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Of course, it was very important to me,” Emelianenko said. “I like to represent my country, and it’s very exciting for the Russian fans because it’s the first time Bellator is coming to Russia. All the fans get to see their favorite fighters live.”

Now that the “when” and “where” have been determined, the question has now become “Whom?” Whom will Emelianenko (39-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) fight? Emelianenko was noncommittal, but said there are a lot of options.

“I’ve got a lot of names in my head, but it’s up to Bellator,” Emelianenko said. “For now, I’m just figuring out names. But it’s up to Bellator.”

Beyond Oct. 23, Emelianenko plans on competing at least one more time.

“I still have two fights on my contract left,” Emelianenko said. “We’ll see what happens. I would like to finish them. If not, we’ll figure it out.”

At 44, Emelianenko is in the twilight of his career, but he’s still moving forward. Unlike motivating factors of yesteryear, Emelianenko continues his career for two reasons: enjoyment and proving to the youth that the old legend still has it.

“My motivation is that I enjoy having fun in the fights, and just fighting and helping the young guys along with me and them following my footsteps,” Emelianenko said. “I don’t let them go just yet in training. It’s very fun, and I do it for pleasure.”