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#4. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Junior dos Santos
Another possible opponent for Fedor Emelianenko’s final fight is former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos. An Emelianenko-dos Santos bout would be interesting considering the striking of both fighters. Emelianenko said he wasn’t really in favor of a bout with dos Santos because he had been released by the UFC. However, the former UFC champion would be a big name opponent for Emelianenko’s final fight.
Junior dos Santos last fought at UFC 256, where he lost to current interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane by TKO. It was Junior dos Santos’ fourth-straight TKO loss and it resulted in his release from the UFC. It’s important to point out that dos Santos has been physically active in recent years and may’ve benefited from an extended layoff. Had dos Santos taken more time off following his third-straight TKO loss to Jairzinho Rozenstruik, he may’ve performed better.
Junior dos Santos has been featured on AEW programming in recent months and has looked great in his pro wrestling stint. If he were to be Fedor Emelianenko’s final opponent in 2022, fans may see a more rejuvenated JDS. If dos Santos were to be successful and defeat Emelianenko, he could be in Bellator’s long-term plans rather than a one-off.
#3. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Cain Velasquez
Another former UFC heavyweight champion who would make for an entertaining bout with Fedor Emelianenko is Cain Velasquez. During the peak of Velasquez’s UFC career, he looked unbeatable. Velasquez’s training was next-level, and he was a well-rounded fighter that dominated the best heavyweights in the sport.
Cain Velasquez was a durable fighter that maintained the same pace from the first-round until the fifth-round. Velasquez last fought on a UFC on ESPN event in 2019 against current UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Velasquez was defeated by knockout 26-seconds into the fight and hasn’t competed since.
Cain Velasquez could make things very difficult for Fedor Emelianenko if they fight. Velasquez is known for his relentless pace and for mixing up quick combinations in the clinch followed by takedowns. Velasquez’s gameplan could leave little room for Emelianenko to throw his powerful right hook that has caused many highlight-reel finishes.
A potential Emelianenko-Velasquez fight would be a nice send-off for both MMA legends. Velasquez announced his retirement from MMA in 2019 after he signed with the WWE. However, the company ended up releasing him, which makes him free to accept other offers. If Velasquez signs for a one-off fight with Emelianenko, fans would see two of MMA’s greatest ever heavyweights compete.
