Fedor Emelianenko thanked his supporters in his first post-fight comments after a rough knockout loss to Ryan Bader on Saturday at Bellator 214.
Emelianenko (38-6 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) was put away by Bader (27-5 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) with a knockout just 35 seconds into their heavyweight grand prix tournament final matchup at Bellator 214, which took place at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
More than a decade after holding the PRIDE belt, Emelianenko had the chance to reclaim championship glory for a major organization. It didn’t go his way. Bader caught the Russian clean with his first punch of the fight, and the bout was over from there.
Emelianenko was escorted out of the cage immediately after the loss and did not make any comments. That changed this morning when Emelianenko posted an update on social media (via Instagram):
After the fight, I feel good, the dissection over the eye is not deep, yesterday I had several stitches. I think it will heal in a couple of weeks. I want to say thanks to everyone who helped me get ready, who came to the fight, and who got up early to watch the match. Thank you all for your support and your prayers. All the will of God.
At 42, Emelianenko’s loss has sparked a discussion about whether “The Last Emperor” should retire for good. He’s already walked away from the sport once, but made a return and had his run with Bellator.
Bellator President Scott Coker said after the fight Emelianenko’s contract with the organization is up. Coker and Bader both said in the aftermath of Bellator 214 that Emelianenko has nothing left to prove, but any retirement decisions should ultimately be made on his own.
Emelianenko made no mention in his post about what he plans to do next in his career.
For complete coverage of Bellator 214, check out the MMA Events section of the site.
