There’s no entrance in mixed martial arts history that will induce butterflies and goosebumps more than the GOAT, Fedor Emelianenko. Even at 40 years old, Fedor still inspires awe amongst all MMA fans, and even his opponent, Matt Mitrione, who knew he was fighting a man who could end the fight in violent fashion at any time. But Fedor’s return from retirement hasn’t been pretty. He basically lost against the much smaller Fabio Maldonado and had to be bailed out by the sketchy Russian athletic commission. Now he was facing Mitrione, a guy who embodies kill or be killed.
In the end, Fedor was killed.
Double knock down. Sometimes these things happen in #MMA. #BellatorNYC https://t.co/MCOmUDhSiW
— Joshua Sánchez (@jnsanchez) June 25, 2017
Matt Mitrione and Fedor felt each other out briefly then clashed like Doomsday and Superman. Windows throughout New York City shattered from the force of their punches and the shockwave took the breath from everyone in Madison Square Garden. Their punches knocked each other down, but Mitrione was the faster, younger man. He scrambled to his feet and finished Fedor kind of like Hendo did — with punches under the arm of the rocked Fedor that would ultimately put him out completely.
I think I speak for all of MMA when I say: Fedor, retire and stay retired. You’re still the greatest ever.
