Junior Dos Santos Says He Was Supposed to Fight Bellator Legend Fedor Emelianenko

Junior Dos Santos has had a lengthy and great career with the UFC. The former UFC heavyweight champion, however, hit a little rough patch towards the end. He lost his last four fights by getting knocked out. Hence, it seems he is interested in exploring what other promotions have to offer as well.

In a recent conversation with ESPN MMA, Dos Santos spoke about his career, departure from the UFC, and his future plans. ‘Cigano’ also spoke about a fight that was going to take place against Fedor Emelianenko.

Dos Santos said, “I was on the line for Bellator as well to fight Fedor [Emelianenko]. Do you remember that? The last fight of Fedor, I was looking forward to be that. That guy, I’m a big fan of Fedor. So I was looking forward to beat that guy, you know, but somehow, actually, I think that I know why, you know, they didn’t pick me. Their side didn’t pick me.”

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“So, unfortunately, but I was looking forward to that too as well, but that was the only one that we were in conversation with Bellator. And I had some good talking with PFL. So that would be for sure something for us, you know, on the line for us.”

While this fight might have not happened, the fighter has secured his next bout.

Junior Dos Santos will main event Triad Combat 2

Dos Santos left the UFC with a 21-9 MMA record. During his reign with the promotion, he successfully walked through some of the best heavyweights. In 2011, he defeated Cain Velasquez to become the heavyweight champion. After defending his title once, he lost it to Velasquez.

In 2017, he competed for the title again. This time, he was unsuccessful in securing the title from Stipe Miocic. Later, he went on to win three fights, but his career hit a rocky road after he beat Derrick Lewis.

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‘Cigano’ will look to turn his combat career around under the hybrid rules boxing-MMA fight as he is set to collide against Kubrat Pulev at Triad Combat 2.

The card will also feature Vitor Belfort and Jimmie Rivera.

Can Dos Santos beat Pulev? Which of Junior Dos Santos’ UFC fights was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.