The Fedor Conundrum

Rich February 15, 2011 1

This past weekend we were treated to the opening round of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix and in terms of memorable moments it most certainly delivered. While the historical significance of the event will be remembered the main event outcome outshined the event overall.

Going into this event Fedor was heavily favored due to his experience in Pride and his hunger to redeem himself after the loss to Fabricio Werdum that ended his legendary win streak. In looking at the tournament brackets I was one of many that thought Fedor would demolish Silva and go on to face either Werdum or Overeem. Antonio “Big Foot” Silva obviously had other plans and used his mammoth size to nullify Fedor’s offense. The audience at the Izod center sat stunned as one MMA’s most enigmatic figures got manhandled in route to his defeat. Fedor lost via TKO due to doctor’s stoppage due to his eye being swollen shut.

The post fight interview showed what a class act Fedor was in his loss. The biggest shocker from his interview was the announcement of retirement which has been debated since Saturday. Many now debate whether Fedor will be dropping to 205 .Scott Coker has already said that Fedor could be an alternate in the event a participant is injured. The enigma of Fedor Emelianenko even in defeat captures the hearts and minds of MMA fans worldwide. His detractors are quick to speak of his abilities being overhyped,catered to and in some cases created by the M-1 Global management machine. While his supporters cite his past performances and his legacy in the sport. Dana White posted his commentary on twitter and needless to say it was “colorful” to say the least. I think Dana’s commentary only fueled the fire between Fedor’s fans and his detractors and in some ways did more harm than good. Simply because it made Dana seem like a petulant child screaming “ I told ya “ versus the savvy businessman we know so well.

I know many fans wanted to see Fedor in the UFC especially prior to his loss but in the end something’s just aren’t meant to be and I honestly think that with the bad blood between Dana & M1 the odds of Fedor in the octagon are not good.

I have followed Fedor’s career going back to the Pride days and have always respected his humbleness and dedication to his craft. It was truly sad to hear him announce his possible retirement but if the man feels that he is not at the level he used to be who are we to demand otherwise.

Fedor in losing did make a star out of Antonio Silva.Silva was never given his due and now is considered a threat after “The Last Emperor”. In the words of Ric Flair “ To be the man, you have to beat the man”

Antonio Silva did just that and moves closer to becoming the most dominant heavyweight in the MMA today.

Fedor’s loss does not sully his legacy on the contrary in my eyes it reinforces his status of legend. Not everyone can take a beating like he took. You can teach Muay Thai,Sambo,BJJ but you can teach toughness or heart and Fedor exhibited both even in defeat. If this is the last time we’ve seen Fedor fight I want to say thanks for some kick ass memories.

My favorite being this one