Bellator NYC's Fedor Emelianenko wants to fight as long as he can, has no retirement plans

Fedor Emelianenko has already done the retirement thing once and ended up coming back. During this current run, he’s not going to put any limitations on himself, and wants to make sure that the next time he walks away, it’s for good.

Emelianenko (36-4 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) begins a multi-fight deal with Bellator on June 24 when he meets Matt Mitrione (11-5 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) in the Bellator NYC co-main event, which airs on pay-per-view following the Bellator 180 card on Spike at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

At 40, it’s fair to question how much “The Last Emperor” has left to give in the sport after more than 17 years of participation. When asked about his longevity on today’s Bellator NYC media conference call, the heavyweight legend said he has no end in sight.

“Like every other fighter, I would like to fight as long as I can and am physically capable of and my body allows me to do it,” Emelianenko told reporters through an interpreter. “I have three fights signed with Bellator, so hopefully no injuries or anything else and I will continue to fight.”

Emelianenko was supposed to have his first fight under the Bellator banner in February at Bellator 172. The fight fell apart just hours before, though, when Mitrione was hospitalized with kidney stones.

The Russian said he was ready to compete the first time around, albeit under the circumstances of a condensed training camp. He had much more time to prepare ahead of Bellator NYC, though, and claims to have used his time much more effectively.

“The main difference was that for the first time the fight was scheduled I spent most of my training time training in Russia,” Emelianenko said. “When the fight fell through because of Mitrione’s problems, I actually ended up training a lot right now in Poland with a lot of partners who were trying to mimic Mitrione’s style. I felt very strong and whatever injuries I had before, this time I actually feel better. I am in top shape and I am ready to go.”

With specific preparation for Mitrione done, Emelianenko is not even willing to consider the possibility the fight could fall through again. There was talk of another fighter subbing in for Mitrione at the last minute in February, but it never came to fruition. There may be a contingency plan in place should a similar situation arise, but Emelianenko doesn’t believe that will be necessary.

“I don’t worry about this,” Emelianenko said. “The fight will happen with Mitrione. Don’t worry about other details or the other plan. Our fight with Mitrione will happen, it’s guaranteed.”

By the time Emelianenko enters the cage at Bellator NYC, more than one year will have passed since he competed. Moreover, it will have been nearly six years since he had a fight in the United States, and Emelianenko said he’s eager to showcase his skills stateside once again.

Over the course of his more than 17-year career, Emelianenko has faced many of the best fighters in the world. He’s fought opponents who have accomplished a great deal more than Mitrione, as well as a great deal less. In terms of opponents, Emelianenko said “Meathead” ranks near the top of the list, and that’s why he’s taking the upcoming fight as seriously as any other in his career.

“Matt belongs to a top echelon of MMA fighters,” Emelianenko said. “He’s a very dangerous fighter. He ha the same opportunity to win because he’s just very skilled and strong and packs a very good punch. He definitely belongs to the top tier of those fighters.”

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