One of the greatest MMA fighters outside the octagon is Fedor Emelianenko. The Last Emperor has a record of a 27 fight win streak that spanned nearly nine years. He is one of the most renowned champions outside the UFC, winning the Pride Heavyweight championship. Though he maintains a calm and cool persona outside the ring, he unleashes vicious strikes and sambo techniques that are hard to counter.
Fedor has stated that he is close to concluding a deal with the UFC, and one can only hope that it comes to a certainty. But who will the silent killer face if he debuts in the UFC?
Here are the top 5 fighters who are suitable opponents for Fedor’s debut:
#1 BROCK LESNAR
Almost every hardcore MMA fan wanted this dream fight to happen.
Brock Lesnar was the UFC champion and Fedor was at the height of his career outside the promotion. Lesnar had topped as the biggest draw in the UFC back then, and so was Fedor outside of it.
The Russian legend was offered a huge paycheck then to sign with the company, which was turned down, indicating multiple issues. However, it appears as if the former Pride Champion is on good terms with the UFC after citing better negotiations this time around.
And if he lands up with a good contract, this dream match might be the first on the plate for the UFC fans to feed on.
#2 CAIN VELASQUEZ
The former two time heavyweight champion is one of the smaller heavyweights in the UFC, but has suffered an injury ravaged career throughout.
He provides an interesting match-up for Fedor though, as both men are relatively well rounded fighters, and can truly lay claim the moniker of ‘greatest heavyweight of all time’.
Velasquez is noted for his win over Brock Lesnar, who was then acknowledged as perhaps the baddest man on the planet, but can Fedor, slightly past his prime, stave him off?
#3 FABRICIO WERDUM
Fabricio Werdum was not only the one to break Fedor’s winning streak, but also to tapped him out while he was at it.
And if Fedor signs with the UFC, it is likely that the company may grant the MMA legend a chance to avenge his previous loss.
Fabricio Werdum is a skilled juijitsu practitioner who demonstrated excellent grappling skills when he forced Cain Velasquez to tap out en route to the heavyweight championship. But Fedor is capable of neutralising his opponents’ grappling techniques with his own sambo tricks.
And he just might be looking for revenge with this one.
#4 ALISTAIR OVEREEM
Alistair Overeem is one of the most decorated fighters, having won the Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion and K1 Grandpix champion as well.
With his powerful striking abilities and his current position as the challenger for Stipe Mioic’s title, Overeem can be a suitable opponent when The Last Emperor debuts.
It would be interesting to see two heavyweights who achieved most of their accolades outside the UFC go head to head with each other inside the Octagon.
#5 ANTONIO’BIGFOOT’ SILVA
Bigfoot Silva is one of the biggest heavyweights in the world. Silva dealt Fedor his third professional loss of his career.
But he currently is on a losing streak with 7 losses in his last 11 fights. This fight could make sense, as both men could possibly be on the downslide in their careers.
A rematch would grant Fedor a chance to avenge his loss, and for Silva, this would be a chance to evade retirement or a possible release from the UFC.
FANTASY OPPONENT : JON JONES
It would be a miracle for MMA fans to see a super fight between the one of the most dominant UFC champions in Jon Jones and MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko.
Jon Jones previously has expressed his desire to have a super fight with heavyweights, provided that they aren’t too big for him. And Fedor might just fit the bill.
That said if Jones steps up and accepts the challenge, then this would be one of the most talked about fights , and may be spoken about for generations to come.
