F. Emelianenko (photo) returns to Bellator this Saturday (23). Photo: Reproduction/Facebook Bellator
This Saturday (23), one of the most iconic athletes in the history of MMA can have his farewell fight. In Moscow, Russia, Fedor Emelianenko faces Tim Johnson in the main event of Bellator 269. A big name from the extinct PRIDE, the 'Last Emperor', in fact, spent more than eight years without knowing what it was like to lose and is considered, by many, to be the best fighter in the history of the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg.).
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Despite this, Emelianenko's name on the shelf GOAT – Great of All Times (The best of all time) began to be questioned with the emergence and growth of the UFC. He has never stepped foot in the Octagon and frequently criticizes the company's president, Dana White.
Therefore, the team at SUPER FIGHTS debated: is the Russian, in fact, the best heavyweight of all time?
Eduardo Oliveira, content editor and founder of SUPER LUTAS
“Every day history is written before our eyes and we only give it due value when it becomes history. Fedor marked a generation of fighters. He was not just the best heavyweight of an era, but the best pound-for-pound. However, in sport, as already said, history is written daily. Therefore, today, I put Stipe Miocic as the greatest heavyweight of all time. As Fedor and Miocic's careers are not over yet, this position is not definitive. Just like Ngannou or Gane could, in the not-so-distant future, reach the pinnacle of the division,” he stated.
Fernando Keller, writer and reporter for SUPER LUTAS
“Yes, Fedor is the best heavyweight in history. A guy of his size and physique remaining undefeated for 10 years and 30 fights at heavyweight – ignoring the defeat (against Tsuyoshi Kohsaka) due to a cut that was avenged later – should be enough to justify it”, he analyzed.
Laerte Viana, host of SUPER LUTAS on YouTube
“I think Fedor is directly linked to a paradigm shift in the heavyweight division, because we have always been used to those brutes, strong and big guys. And Fedor was (recognized) for his technique. He broke the stereotype by being shorter and, even so, his technical quality was so great that it made up for the size disadvantage. But, at the same time, I think the fact that he hasn't stepped foot in the UFC – although he made history at another time – leaves a question mark. So, given the challenges faced, I think that Stipe Miocic he did more and is number one”, he declared.
Gabriel Fareli, writer and reporter for SUPER LUTAS
“Judging or pointing out the best or greatest in any sport is always a controversial discussion. It brings different points of view and opinions and does not necessarily bring an absolute truth. But you can't deny Fedor's importance to the history of the heavyweight division and even mixed martial arts. Almost 10 years of invincibility in the biggest martial arts organization until then, defeating names like Rodrigo Minotauro, Mark Coleman, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt e Andrei Arlovski It's not something anyone can do. Whether he is the best in history or not, Fedor's importance for the category and for MMA is huge. And that’s enough,” he said.
Tarso Dória, host of SUPER LUTAS on YouTube
“Fedor is fundamental in MMA, especially in the heavyweight division. I understand that there is already another period. When it was at its peak, the sport was different. But as the sport has evolved, it hasn't transitioned as well to the West. He had some cool results in Strikeforce and even in Bellator itself. Fedor is gigantic, but I would only consider him the best in the 'first phase' of MMA/Vale Tudo. Looking at the unified phase, with the rise of the UFC, I think we have much more decorated names. We have Daniel Cormier, Fabricio Werdum, Stipe Miocic… We can say that he is the best heavyweight so far, but the other athletes haven't officially stopped yet. He is currently the best, it’s just not a permanent state, in my opinion”, he pondered.
VH Gonzaga, writer and reporter for SUPER LUTAS
“For me, he’s not the greatest of all time. It's among the three best, but the sport evolves and, as a result, the level of fighters increases. He missed a trip to the UFC – although it's not his fault. If he had gone and proved himself, he could perhaps be considered as the best. So, for me, the Stipe Miocic He's the best heavyweight of all time. He is the fighter who has defended the belt the most. I would still put Velásquez first, but injuries hindered him,” he concluded.
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