The famous Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko spoke about his regret to have the last fight of his career against the reigning Bellator champion Ryan Bader.
Last week, the American defended his title by defeating Cheick Kongo by unanimous decision.
- How do you like the fight between Ryan Bader and Cheick Kongo?
— Ryan worked in his own way. Confidently scored points. If the opponent does not give him a fight or cannot resist him, then all Bader's fights are similar. Ryan doesn't excel in punching technique, but he has a set punch that he hits from a certain distance, with a certain clumsiness. There is no such thing for him to break or choke. It could be assumed that this fight would be just that.
— Glad that Bader won?
- Yes, I'm glad. I hope that I will get a rematch with him.
— Are there already talks about you having a fight for the title with Bader?
— We talked with Scott Cocker. But for now, he said, "Let's wait for this fight [between Bader and Kongo] to be over, because it's already scheduled." Although we discussed revenge before. I hope that Scott will agree to give me the last fight for the title of champion. In addition, the Bellator rating allows. I think it will be an expected fight.
- Will this fight be the last in your career?
- To be honest, I still feel the strength in myself. But not the same as before. I see how youth radiates in my young guys. Somewhere they lack technology, knowledge and something else, but they cover it with their pressure. On the other hand, I have experience, speed, endurance does not fail. Injuries, however, climb, there are still some gaps. I think to eliminate them.
Recall that Bader and Emelianenko have already met in a cage. In January 2019, the American won by knockout in the first round.
