Fedor Emelianenko was KO’d in just 35 seconds by Ryan Bader at Bellator 214 on Saturday night, leading to questions about whether the 42-year-old will ever fight again.
‘The Last Emperor’ himself had suggested pre-fight that he might not have long to go before retirement and Bellator boss Scott Coker believes the Russian legend has nothing left to prove.
“It’s never easy to see your friends get hit and get knocked out and get hurt,” Coker said post-fight on Saturday.
“That’s really up to him (if he’ll fight again). That’s really up to Fedor. I think that we had a relationship that lasted for many years, and he fought for me back in Strikeforce. And Fedor, he doesn’t have to fight again. He’s already done it all. He’s already the greatest heavyweight of all time. He’s had such a great run. But, really, it’s going to be up to him whether he decides to really put it to rest.”
“To me, he’s the GOAT And that’s it. It goes back to he’s a guy that’s fought everybody that he was presented with.”
Fedor has reportedly now completed his current Bellator contract, but as yet he’s not said what he intends to do next, though he did assure fans at the weekend that he is ok after his tough loss.
“I want to say thanks to everyone who helped me get ready, who came to the fight, and who got up early to watch the match. Thank you all for your support and your prayers. All the will of God.”
