MMA Heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko will end his illustrious career after his bout with the Bellator heavyweight Campion Ryan Bader at Bellator 290. With his eight-year unbeaten record in MMA, Emelianenko is considered one of the best fighters ever. His Bellator 290 opponent believes that ‘The Last Emperor’ could be called the greatest heavyweight of all time.

Ryan Bader mentioned the most talented fighter he’s ever met. It’s his former college wrestling teammate and UFC legend Cain Velasquez. The former UFC heavyweight champion had to give up fighting after sustaining some serious injuries. However, he did mention that Fedor Emelianenko had a superior record than Velasquez.

Ryan Bader believes Fedor Emelianenko deserves the heavyweight GOAT label

Bader thinks that Fedor Emelianenko deserves to be called the greatest heavyweight fighter in MMA history. In an interview with Damon Martin from MMA Fighting, Bader said, “If you’re going to put a [greatest heavyweight] label on somebody, I would say Fedor would be [the one].” The Bellator champion added, “He didn’t come over to the UFC, but it’s not taking anything away from him. He built a legacy, he fought those guys [in Japan], beat a lot of those guys.”

Bader claims that Fedor Emelianenko has proved his mettle around the world, despite not fighting under the UFC banner. But he firmly stated he will always bet his money on the former two-time UFC champion. “If you were to put [on a fight] on their best night, Fedor versus Cain, I’m going to take Cain.” Cain Velasquez had a gas tank that would wear down his opponent. UFC veteran Chael Sonnen also spoke about how intimidating Velasquez was during his early days as a fighter.

Fans agree with Ryan Bader’s opinion on Emelianenko

Fans have given a positive reaction to Ryan Bader‘s statement on Fedor Emelianenko being the greatest heavyweight fighter of all time.

Let us look at some of the reactions from Instagram users:

• He is correct, and Fedor is my all time favorite fighter
• Prime Fedor was different beast.
• Agree with Darth Bader 100%!!
• Fedor would dispatch prime Cain
• No argument! For sure!
• Totally agree, until the last sentence
• In their prime, Fedor doesn’t lose… not even close…if you know, you know and I know

MMA fans on social media seem to agree with what the current Bellator champion had to say about his Bellator 290 opponent. They believe that prime Fedor Emelianenko was on another level as a fighter. No one can come close to the type of fighter he was. They are confident that ‘The Last Emperor’ would have easily taken down Cain Velasquez during the prime days of their MMA career.

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Nobody can question Cain Velasquez‘s achievements in the sport. He managed to win the heavyweight title two times, despite sustaining a series of injuries. However, Fedor Emelianenko is at the end of the road in his MMA career. His final match at Bellator 290 for the heavyweight title will mark the 47th professional fight of his career. The MMA fans will always remember ‘The Last Emperor.’

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