For the better part of a decade, the baddest man on the planet wasn't an angry ex-street fighter with a grudge against the world, or a collegiate wrestling star groomed for athletic glory. He was an ice cream eating, sweater wearing, duck-loving savage from tiny Stary Oskol in Russia.
Though he never once stepped inside the UFC's Octagon, among serious fans there was no real doubt—Fedor Emelianenko (34-4-1) was the best heavyweight MMA had ever seen.
The lists, both of Fedor's victims and his must-see exploits, are legend. Five former UFC heavyweight champions fell at his hands, as did kickboxing stalwarts Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt and Semmy Schilt. He survived a Kevin Randleman suplex, caught Andrei Arlovski in midair with a knockout blow and exuded awesomeness at every turn.
In 2010, his 34th birthday looming as he entered his 34th professional prizefight, Emelianenko showed the first chinks in his formidable armor. One loss, the first legitimate failure of his career, became three in a row in what felt like the blink of an eye. The king was toppled from his throne and Emelianenko faded into memory.
Now, three years after he last entered the ring, Emelianenko is considering a return to action. With Bellator all but bowing out of the bidding, the UFC has emerged as his likely destination.
How would the "Last Emperor," now 38, fare against today's best big men? Has Father Time been kind, healing old wounds and providing new-found vigor? Or will the once-great warrior simply be older, slower and punchier than ever before?
Bleacher Report's crack team came together to provide our best guesses. Have some thoughts of your own? Share them in the comments.
