Fedor Emelianenko [1] may – or may not – be on his retirement tour.
Regardless, he showed that “The Last Emperor” remains one of the best strikers in the sport at heavyweight at Bellator 237 [2].
From the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, Emelianenko knocked out former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in the first round of their main event.
Congratulations Fedor on your victory tonight #BellatorJapan [3]…you motivate me for Jan 25th @BellatorMMA [4] on @DAZN_USA [5] #CyborgNation [6] pic.twitter.com/YlgHolEeOR [7]
— Cris Cyborg #Bellator238 (@criscyborg) December 29, 2019 [8]
It was a near-flawless performance for Emelianenko, who ended the bout with a picture-perfect knockout.
Fedor with the walk-off KO! #BellatorJapan [3] pic.twitter.com/Wg6Ge4gEgu [9]
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 29, 2019 [10]
There appeared to be some confusion in the translation after the bout. At first, it was believed that Fedor announced his retirement, but other reports state he said this was his final fight in Japan.
🇷🇺 @FedorOskol [11] hangs up the 🥊s tonight in an iconic arena and on a memorable note.#BellatorJapan [3] pic.twitter.com/lk1HcinPvh [12]
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 29, 2019 [13]
In the co-main event, Michael Chandler set a new promotion-best for stoppage wins, finishing Sidney Outlaw in the first round.
Massive right hand from @MikeChandlerMMA [14]! #BellatorJapan [3]
Main event up next! pic.twitter.com/MTm5yJbgIs [15]
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 29, 2019 [16]
Outlaw took the bout as a replacement for Benson Henderson when the former UFC lightweight champion went down.
Michael Page finished off Shinso Anzai in the second round, with Lorenz Larkin scoring a decision victory.
MVP! #BellatorJapan [3] @Michaelpage247 [17] pic.twitter.com/ioyl8Uinas [18]
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 29, 2019 [19]
Kana Watanabe and Goiti Yamaguchi were also winners, as Watanabe topped Ilara Joanne and Yamaguchi submitted Daron Cruickshank.
🦵💥 Nasty flying knee from @Da_Monsoon [20].#BellatorJapan [3] #BellatorvsRIZIN [21] pic.twitter.com/Sn0TLRUhYa [22]
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 29, 2019 [23]
Rampage Jackson Walkout
⛓ @Rampage4Real [24] has arrived and is ready to do work at #BellatorJapan [3]. pic.twitter.com/JIa1d2t1yT [25]
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 29, 2019 [26]
Fedor Emelianenko Walkout
🇷🇺 @FedorOskol [11] is headed to the cage once more to tangle with @Rampage4Real [24] in our main event of the evening!#BellatorJapan [3] pic.twitter.com/IqMBFsDprq [27]
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 29, 2019 [28]
Bellator will be part of the upcoming New Year’s Eve special event in Japan featuring Rizin.
Bellator 237: Fedor Vs. Rampage Results
Fedor Emelianenko def. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson via KO (strike) at 2:44 of Round 1
Michael Chandler def. Sidney Outlaw via KO (strike) at 2:59 of Round 1
Michael Page def. Shinsho Anzai via KO (strike) at :23 of Round 2
Lorenz Larkin def. Keita Nakamura via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Kana Watanabe def. Ilara Joanne via TKO (strikes) at 4:39 of Round 3
Goiti Yamaguchi def. Daron Cruickshank via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:11 of Round 1