Fedor will not retire following KO loss at Bellator NYC: I am a fighter

Get the Full StoryThe Last Emperor explained why he does not plan to retire following his latest loss on US soil. Fedor Emelianenko s Bellator debut last Saturday night did not go according to plan for the legendary Russian heavyweight.

Faced with the task of toppling a larger fighter in Matt Mitrione, Emelianenko lasted a mere 74 seconds before losing consciousness momentarily following a flurry of strikes that ended the fight. The finish took place shortly following a rare double knockdown that Mitrione was able to recover from quicker. It marked just the second time that Emelianenko was knocked out in an MMA fight.

Yet despite the disappointing conclusion to the fight for the aging veteran, Emelianenko carries little regret following the loss.

I would have trained with the same coaches and the same sparring partners, Fedor explained at the post-fight press conference when asked what he would have done differently. I don t think I would have changed anything for my preparation. I would be training the same way with my coaches. I can tell you that during my camp, I worked out with all my energy and invested all my energy and forces into it.

Armed with his longtime translator, Fedor mulled the possibility of a match-up against Chael Sonnen, though questioned the weight disparity. It appeared as though retirement was not a consideration for the heavyweight legend following his brutal loss. Asked to confirm if that was the case, Fedor explained that he has no intention to hang up his gloves just yet.

Yes, because I am a fighter, Fedor responded bluntly, which prompted applause from the crowd in attendance. The 40-year-old fighter even expressed interest in an immediate rematch against Mitrione.

I would love to have the rematch with Matt Mitrione, Emelianenko added. It happened so that the movements were just mutual ones, and certainly Matt used the situation.

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