The Emperor’s Last: MMA pioneer Fedor Emelianenko retiring
By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fedor Emelianenko says his 23-year mixed martial arts career is ending this weekend when he fights Ryan Bader for the Bellator heavyweight title. The unassuming heavyweight became a combat sports legend while forging a unique path through the MMA jungle. Emelianenko insisted his final fight should be against Bader, who famously wrecked Fedor with a two-punch combination knockout only 35 seconds into their first meeting four years ago. Emelianenko isn’t sure what will happen when he is tested one last time, but he wants to find out.