Russian MMA fighter Fedor Emelianenko explained why he chose Bellator over the UFC.
Fedor Emelianenko for RT
First and foremost, human relationships matter, not how much money you are paid. There must be basic respect. I was actually invited both to the UFC and Bellator. I chose the latter. Financially, it turned out to be less appealing, but they took my guys along with me. Four or five fighters were immediately given the chance to fight under the promotion’s banner. UFC outright refused that. Throughout the negotiations, I felt a certain disregard.
Emelianenko’s latest fight took place in February 2023 at Bellator 290. He faced Bellator’s heavyweight champion, American Ryan Bader. Fedor suffered a technical knockout loss in that fight. His mixed martial arts record stands at 40 wins and seven losses.
Emelianenko made his MMA debut in May 2000 at a Rings tournament. He faced Bulgarian fighter Martin Lazarov, winning by a choke submission in the first round.
