We spent years wondering if Fedor Emelianenko would sign for Bellator MMA, our questions have been answered and now he has an opponent in the form of Matt Mitrione.
Emelianenko (36-4 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) will make his Bellator debut at Bellator 172, Feb. 18 in a heavyweight bout against Matt Mitrione (11-5 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. Speaking at a Bellator 170 media scrum Mittrione acknowledged Fedor’s skills and ability.
“When Fedor was fighting Andre Arlovski and Andre was kicking his ass Fedor said he realised something different was going to happen because Andre’s footwork changed. Everything else aside just from that to have the presence of mind when you’re getting your ass kicked in the middle of a fight and to realise something is shifting because of his footwork is really impressive. To add into that the fact that as soon as something did change when Andre tried that flying knee he threw the exact thing he should have thrown and sparked him in mid-air. I’ve never heard anyone else say anything like it. That’s a goat.”
Fedor’s previous opponents from his time at Pride have been questioned but this is something Mitrione has had no interest in.
“I don’t know I don’t put time into that or have an opinion only person I’ve heard say that is Chael and he’s just tongue and cheek, dicking around with people. I don’t care I wasn’t involved in the Pride Era I’m involved in my era i’m drug free i’m sure Fedor is drug free. I don’t care about what his previous opponents were, I care February 18th im going to punch Fedor in his face and Fedor is going to punch me in my face. And hopefully I can avoid more than I give.”
After his recent performances the question has been raised if Fedor should call and end to his MMA career and perhaps not be taking this fight but Mitrione believes these moments are what makes his opponent a life long competitor.
“I think I’m pretty damn solid and especially with the work I’ve been able to get in, with my working team and with my coaches with my training team I think I’m pretty damn good. I always say I can beat anyone in the world on any given day; I can be one of the best in the world if not the best. For Fedor to come in and try it out it shows hes a life long competitor and that he’s never satisfied he wants some more so who am I to say he should quit.”
Despite this there is no doubt in the American’s mind that he’ll walk away victorious when the two meet on Feb, 18.
“Do I think I’m going to win? Yeah Abslotely, Do I think I’m a dangerous fight for Fedor? Absloutely. He’s great at what he does and always has been, that’s why he’s Fedor but honestly I hear he is strong and I hear he is powerful but so am i. I throw straight down the pipe so if anything comes looping round I’m sure they know I’ll be throwing straight down the pipe as a counter and HenryHhoof is the best striking coach in the country or the world and we’re prepared for that. I feel like the team I have put together has prepared me for this moment and I have had a history of not succeeding at my biggest opportunities and I plan on changing that. I don’t think theres such a thing as a letdown fight Fedor is a huge fight.”
