Like a number of his childhood peers, Emelianenko developed an interest in self defense while a boy. The son of a teacher and steel worker, he began training in Sambo, a Russian form of judo, as a way to defend himself against older youths in his neighborhood.
After graduating from high school in 1991, he attended a professional trade school and then served as a firefighter in the Russian army from 1995 to '97. Shortly after leaving the military, he was certified as a "Master of Sports" in Sambo and judo. In the ensuing years, he studied other forms of self defense, such as kickboxing and Muay Thai. With financial responsibilities mounting from the addition of a wife and baby daughter, Emelianenko decided in 2000 to pursue a career in MMA.
He joined Japan-based PRIDE Fighting Championships two years later, a move that greatly enhanced his career. In 2003, he defeated Antonio Nogueira by decision to win the organization's heavyweight belt. He went on to defend his title 13 times over the next 3 1/2 years.
He elevated himself to superstar status in Japan and Russia, and earned a large following in the U.S., where PRIDE was often televised on tape delay. PRIDE began experiencing financial difficulties in 2006, however, and Emelianenko's contract expired at the end of that year. Three months later, the organization's assets were purchased by Las Vegas-based UFC. It was originally announced that PRIDE and UFC would maintain separate management teams and eventually match their fighters in bouts. But the plan fell through and PRIDE's staff was terminated. The UFC also attempted to sign Emelianenko, but negotiations also deteriorated last winter.
Among the strange requests, according to UFC President Dana White, was members of Emelianenko's management team wanted the UFC to be financial partners in the construction of a sports arena in Russia.
"In all the dealings I had with his managers, it was never about Fedor," White said. "I've never even met Fedor."
That put a hold on one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in the history of the sport, a matchup between Emelianenko and former UFC champion Randy Couture, who is currently embroiled in a breach of contract lawsuit with the UFC. If the lawsuit is settled in the near future, there's speculation that the 45-year-old Couture will make his return against Emelianenko.
"It would certainly be a great desire of mine to have a fight with Randy, particularly while he's still at his peak," Emelianenko said. "Based on what I've seen of him, he's still there."
In the meantime, there's still another crowd to please.
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dan.arritt@latimes.com
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Profile
Fedor Emelianenko fights Tim Sylvia on the Affliction card Saturday night at the Honda Center:
*--* Nickname The Last Emperor Record 27-1 (1 no-contest) Wins 6 knockouts 14 submissions 7 decisions Losses 1 technical knockout Height 6 feet Weight 233 pounds Style Sambo / Judo Date of birth Sept. 28, 1976 Country Russia *--*
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Source: www.fighters.com
