Fedor Emelianenko showed he’s a class act following Bellator 198 on Saturday.
Chicago, IL — In terms of iconic MMA moments, the great Fedor Emelianenko has had plenty. Yet in one regard, he has always come up short: memorable performances in the U.S. The struggles of ‘The Last Emperor’ stateside have been well documented. Finally, on Saturday at Bellator 198 in Chicago, Fedor put that behind him, knocking out Frank Mir within a round at the AllState Arena.
Afterwards, in a moving show of both generosity and respect, Fedor gifted his gloves, as well as other fight gear, to Bellator CEO Scott Coker, just as the post-fight presser with Coker was getting underway.
“You guys cannot have this,” Coker joked with the media in attendance. “Wraps, gloves, and the shorts he fought in. This is the first time in thirty-three years I’ve had a fighter give me his gear,” he exclaimed. “This is amazing.”
As to what Coker will do with the keepsakes, “I’m going to put it up on my wall. This is very special. All the gear that he used tonight — this is very special. Thank you Fedor.”
Asked what Emelianenko’s big win over ex-UFC champ Frank Mir meant, Coker suggested that “Fedor is back.” And it was more than just the win. “The walkout felt… to me, it felt the same as New York. Anytime he walks out, it’s a big deal,” the longtime fight promoter explained.
“It doesn’t matter if he wins or loses, honestly,” said Coker. “He’s still going to be Fedor. The greatest fighter who ever fought in the heavyweight division.”
Check out the full post-fight presser with Bellator MMA CEO Scott Coker following Saturday’s Bellator 198 above!
