Bellator Japan: Fedor Emelianenko Says Farewell Tour May Not End in Retirement…

Fedor Emelianenko acknowledges that as of right now, he believes his current Bellator contract will likely close out his career. But, as “The Last Emperor” prepares to battle “Rampage” Jackson at Bellator Japan, he isn’t certain he’s on his retirement tour after all.

Fedor comments on retirement

This past summer Bellator announced that it had signed Emelianenko to a contract extension. While discussing the new deal, Bellator President Scott Coker referred to it as a farewell tour, and since Emelianenko is now 43 years old that made sense.

Well, Fedor is in Saitama, Japan this week, as he’s booked to fight “Rampage” Jackson tomorrow at Bellator 237. While talking to the media the star was asked about retirement, and Emelianenko said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“That’s what we discussed, and that’s what we agreed on, but let’s see how I feel,” Emelianenko said through an interpreter. “Right now, the plan is just like Scott laid out. There’s going to be three fights, and it’s kind of a retirement tour, but when the tour is over, he said let’s see how I feel. We’ll go from there.”

So, this is somewhat surprising to hear considering Fedor’s age and the fact he’s competed in over 45 pro bouts now. But, whether he elects to fight beyond this current deal will likely depend on how things go in his next three fights. For example, you would think if Emelianenko suffers a couple more stoppage losses during this run, he’ll hang up the gloves.

Emelianenko weighs-in on Jackson fight

First up is of course, “Rampage” Jackson, who hasn’t fought since last September when he beat Wanderlei Silva. When Fedor was asked about what he expects in his fight with the 41-year-old star, he said this:

“Early on he was probably lighter, faster and younger,” Emelianenko said. “And now, much like myself, he is a little heavier, a little slower, but he probably hits a lot harder.”

Yup. This sounds about right. Especially when you consider Jackson has fought at light-heavyweight throughout much of his career.

Bellator Japan line-up

Here is the complete line-up for Bellator 237 / Bellator Japan.

MAIN CARD (Paramount Network/DAZN, 10 p.m. ET)

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (38-6, 1 NC) vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (38-13)

160-lb. Contract Weight Co-Main Event: Michael Chandler (19-5) vs. Sidney Outlaw (14-3)

173-lb. Contract Weight Main Card Bout: Michael “Venom” Page (16-1) vs. Shinsho Anzai (11-3)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Lorenz Larkin (21-7, 1 NC) vs. K-Taro Nakamura (35-10-2, 1 NC)

Flyweight Main Card Bout: Ilara Joanne (9-4) vs. Kana Watanabe (8-0-1)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Goiti Yamauchi (24-4) vs. Daron Cruickshank (22-12, 1 NC)

Bellator Japan post-lims, powered by RIZIN:

120-kg Post-lim Bout: Shoma Shibisai (5-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergey Shemetov (9-6)

77-kg Post-lim Bout: Ryuichiro Sumimura (14-7) vs. Jon Tuck (10-5)

49-kg Post-lim Bout: Andy Nguyen (6-8) vs. Ai Shimizu (5-1)

58-kg Post-lim Bout: Yusaku Nakamura (16-6-1) vs. Makoto “Shinryu” Takahashi (9-1-1)

68-kg Post-lim Bout (Kickboxing): Ren Hiramoto (10-4) vs. Takahiro Ashida (23-10-2)

49-kg Post-lim Bout: Kanna Asakura (15-4) vs. Jayme Hinshaw (4-3)

53-kg Post-lim Bout: Haruo Ochi (19-7-2, 1 NC) vs. Jarred Brooks (15-2, 1 NC)

71-kg Post-lim Bout: Yusuke Yachi (20-9) vs. Hiroto Uesako (16-8)