For Russian MMA, when it rains, it pours. The setbacks just continue to come as yet another prominent name in the nation’s combat sports scene passed away. 

Russian heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko’s long time coach Vladimir Voronov breathed his last. The shocker comes barely two months after prominent MMA coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov succumbed in his battle with multiple health issues. 

Emelianenko shared a tribute to his longtime coach on Instagram. He wrote, “My coach Vladimir Mikhailovich Voronov has died. From childhood, Vladimir Mikhailovich was part of the family, a demanding mentor. He was always there in difficult and happy moments of my life.”

“Vladimir Mikhailovich was not only a coach, but also a father to many athletes. He raised champions, strong in spirit, believed in young guys and helped them find their way in life.

“I ask for your prayers for the newly departed Vladimir. My most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Vladimir Mikhailovich.” (Translated by RT Sport)

Vladimir Voronov shaped Fedor Emelianenko into a dominant fighter

Voronov trained and pushed ‘The Last Emperor’ to become the gold standard in heavyweight mixed martial arts. However, their association began in 1988, long before he entered professional fighting. Emelianenko was only 11 years old at that time and trained in Judo and Sambo. 

Read: Fedor Emelianenko is Open to Fighting Fabricio Werdum at Bellator MMA

Eventually, the Russian legend walked away from the aforementioned sports and transitioned his dominance to mixed martial arts. He remained unbeaten for a decade after a freak loss early in his career. 

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‘The Last Emperor’ retained the core elements of his judo and Sambo and proved to be an adept striker. This reflected on his record. Fedor has 15 T/KO and submission wins each. 

Emelianenko, soon to be 44 years old, will embark on his farewell tour with Bellator MMA in the coming months. It will be tough for him to compete without someone he has had by his side throughout his entire career. However, he will aim to bow out on a high note and honor Vladimir Mikhailovich Voronov’s memory. 

Our condolences go out to Fedor Emelianenko and his coach’s family.