Russian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Fedor Emelianenko said he was ending his professional career due to age and worsening injuries. The athlete told reporters about this after the fight with American Ryan Bader in the fight for the Bellator heavyweight title.
The fight of the athletes ended in the first round. Emelianenko lost to Bader by technical knockout. After the fight, the Russian took off his gloves, put them on the floor of the octagon and officially announced the end of his career.
“I finished (career. – Ed.), Thanks to everyone,” said Emelianenko.
He admitted that he was upset by the loss in the battle with Bader, and thanked the fans for their support.
According to the fighter, he made the decision to end his sports career due to the fact that he can no longer withstand heavy loads due to age.
“Age already. I feel like my injuries escalate from fight to fight. My body, my body can’t withstand the loads that they give me, ”he explained.
At the same time, the athlete assured that he would remain with the team as a coach.
Earlier, on January 31, Emelianenko, in an interview with Sports Illustrated magazine, said that the fight against American Ryan Bader would be the last in his career. He noted that he won two of his last fights, and wants the last fight to be against the champion.
He also added that his family, especially his mother, is waiting for the end of his career.
On account of Emelianenko 40 victories, six defeats and one more fight was declared invalid. In June 2022, he took over as President of the MMA Union of Russia.
#Emelianenko #explained #decision #sports #career
