What would likely be Fedor Emelianenko’s last fight in his native Russia went down Saturday at Bellator 269.
Quite frankly, depending on outcome, it had felt as if Fedor’s fight against Tim Johnson in Moscow might be his last dance, period. “The Last Emperor” had not fought in two years, was coming off a battle with COVID-19, and there was really no telling how much of a toll the time away had taken.
Still, seeing Fedor fighting in Russia for the first time in 2016 was something to get excited about.
Opponent Johnson walked out to Real American, a song perhaps best known as the walkout track for Hulk Hogan. Maybe trolling the Russian faithful a little, but for Johnson, that was the highlight of the night.
Fedor, meanwhile, added another highlight to his lengthy reel. Johnson appeared willing to stand and trade with Fedor early on Saturday. He flashed an uppercut several times, coming up short on each occasion. The American did find a bit of success, but none of his punches landed clean. And just as Fedor was being backed up to the fence in an exchange, he answered with a lightning fast right hand.
Johnson dropped instantly, head bouncing off the canvas. Even in his mid-40s, Fedor Emelianenko displayed lightning-quick hand speed.
🐐The Last Emperor scores the KO in Moscow!
What a moment for Fedor, in Bellator’s historic first Russian event.#Bellator269 pic.twitter.com/gZq4pH5bMa
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) October 23, 2021
After that performance, it’s likely we see Fedor at least one more time. Where, and against who, is now the question.
Official Result: Fedor Emelianenko def. Tim Johnson by knockout, Round 1, 1:46
