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Fedor Emelianenko will be competing for the final time in his legendary career when he challenges Ryan Bader for the heavyweight championship at Bellator 290 on Saturday night.
During his appearance on The MMA Hour, Bellator President Scott Coker revealed that he received calls from a number of MMA pioneers who wanted to be in attendance for Emelianenko's final fight.
He said:
"One of the first calls I got was from Randy Couture and saying, 'Hey, I'd like to attend his last fight.' And then Dan Henderson said, 'Hey, I would really like to be there.' Royce Gracie wanted to come, so he's there. Mark Coleman will be in attendance. So all these legends of the sport that really are the roots and the foundation of MMA started calling."
Coker revealed that the full list of legends that will be in attendance and part of the festivities for 'The Last Emperor's sendoff include Randy Couture, Dan Henderson, Royce Gracie, Mark Coleman, Renzo Gracie, Frank Shamrock, Matt Hughes, Chuck Liddell, Chael Sonnen, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, and Josh Barnett.
The Bellator President mentioned that having the MMA pioneers in attendance is significant as it will signify the end of an era, saying:
"All these gentlemen will go into the cage as Fedor is probably saying his speech and is gonna retire and they're gonna stand behind him. And when Fedor gets up from putting his gloves down, they're all going to be there to congratulate him and this is a ceremony and a great sendoff to the greatest heavyweight of all-time."
It will be a special moment for the sport when Emelianenko puts his gloves down on the mat and exits the cage as an active competitor for the final time.
Fedor Emelianenko looking to avenge his loss to Ryan Bader at Bellator 290
Bellator 290 won't be the first time Fedor Emelianenko and Ryan Bader have competed inside the Bellator cage.
The MMA legend will look to avenge his loss from 2019, which saw Bader defeat him via first-round TKO at Bellator 214 to win the vacant title and the heavyweight Grand Prix. The win was a significant moment for 'Darth' as he became a two-division Bellator champion as he was the reigning light heavyweight champion during the Grand Prix.
'The Last Emperor' is currently riding a two-fight winning streak and hasn't lost since Bellator 214. He has looked great in decisive wins against Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson and Tim Johnson as he defeated them both via first-round TKO and knockout respectively.
