Fedor Emelianenko 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.

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.

It was a near-flawless performance for Emelianenko, who ended the bout with a picture-perfect knockout.

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.

In the co-main event, Michael Chandler set a new promotion-best for stoppage wins, finishing Sidney Outlaw in the first round.

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.

Kana Watanabe and Goiti Yamaguchi were also winners, as Watanabe topped Ilara Joanne and Yamaguchi submitted Daron Cruickshank.

Rampage Jackson Walkout

Fedor Emelianenko Walkout

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

Mentioned in this article:

More About: