Russian Sambo fighter Fedor ‘The Last Emperor’ Emelianenko tasted true defeat for the first time in his MMA career after losing to former UFC/PrideFC heavyweight contender Fabricio Werdum. In just 69 seconds into the first round, Werdum held on to a very tight triangle choke/armbar which forced Fedor to tap out.
During the Strikeforce/M-1Global post-fight press conference, Fedor states that it was God’s will for him to lose this time around. Fedor admits that he is only human so he too can lose in any fight, but he plans on coming back stronger in a possible rematch bout against the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert if Werdum agrees. Sources close to us say that Werdum is willing to accept an immediate rematch bout if it is offered to him, even before facing Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem for the title. We’ll keep you guys posted on what’s next for both Werdum and Fedor.
From Fedor Emelianenko:
“The one who doesn’t fall never stands up, It happened that people made me an idol. But everybody loses. I’m just a human being. And if it’s God’s will next fight, I’ll win…. At the very beginning of the round, I hit him and I wanted to finish as soon as possible, at that moment, I made a mistake. I would like to have a rematch with Fabricio if he was to agree. I’d love to do that…. There were several moments when I could escape, but I relied on myself too much and that’s why I paid for it. At the very moment when I had to escape, I stopped, and that moment was used for Fabricio to lock it on. I’m really very sorry and it’s a pity that I disappointed people who believe in me and trusted in me, but everything in this life happens for some reason. If God decided this is what should happen, then it’s the best thing for this very time.”