Fedor Emelianenko – Quinton Jackson – forecast, date and favorite of the fight

Boxing and MMA Betting Photo source: bellator.com

In the history of Russian mixed martial arts, one can single out a number of personalities who, in one way or another, influenced the development of MMA in our country, but only three people managed to become legends of this sport. The first of them is Oleg Taktarov, now an actor who was the first Russian to win a tournament under the auspices of the best promotion of the planet. In second place is Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now he is tearing his division in the UFC apart and becoming an epic fighter for our time. The first line in this list is quite naturally occupied by Fedor Emelianenko. An athlete who instilled love for sports in hundreds of thousands of people around the world, a symbol of the Russian spirit and an example to follow for many fighters, including the aforementioned Nurmagomedov.

Fedor's return to the sport was more than successful – Bellator gathered under its banner the best representatives of the heavyweight division of past years in order to play the promotion champion belt between the honorary names. Ryan Bader turned out to be the winner, but Fedor also did not blunder, knocking out two experienced Americans from the tournament grid at once – Frank Mira and Chail Sonnen. Another rival for “The Last Emperor” is also a native of the United States, but in MMA he achieved much more than Mir and Sonnen. Pride Grand Prix finalist, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and 10th Bellator Grand Prix winner Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will face Fyodor Emelianenko. The Russian-American confrontation will take place on New Year's Eve on December 29 at the Bellator event.

Content

1. Contest from IronBets
2. Where to bet on the battle?
3. Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko
4. First steps in sports and personal life
5. Amateur and professional performances
6. Start in MMA. Career at RINGS
7. Formation of Fedor as the best fighter of his time
8. Confrontation with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
9. Further career at PRIDE. Fight with Cro-Cop
10. Period from 2007 to 2009
11. Strikeforce Performances
12. Retirement from sports
13. Full return
14. Bellator appearances
15. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson
16. First steps in MMA
17. Career at PRIDE
18. UFC title
19. TUF 7
20. Further career in the UFC
21. Bellator appearances
22. Press conference
23. The readiness of the fighters
24. Motivation to win
25. Fighters stats
26. Yuri Rapetskiy's forecast
27. Physical data
28. Endurance
29. Rack work
30. Parterre work
31. Optimal betting options
32. Alexey Pershin's forecast
33. Anthropometry and experience
34. Rack
35. Grappling
36. Protection and resilience
37. Endurance
38. Outcome

Contest from IronBets

Our team could not pass by such a significant event, especially on the eve of the New Year, and therefore we are launching a competition for predictions on the result of the fight, the winner of which will receive 5,000 rubles. A very pleasant and useful present for everyone, as a gift under the Christmas tree will suit just right.

What you need to do in order to take part is to leave a comment on the forecast page, indicating the round in it and the exact time when, in your opinion, the fight between Emelianenko and Jackson will end. And, of course, who will be the winner.

For example, if you think the fight will end in the third round in the second minute, write a comment like “Round 3. 1:23. Fedor's victory “. If you think that the fight will reach the referee's decision – write the name of the winner, as well as what the referee's notes will be (unanimous decision or split decision). Example: “The victory of Fedor. Separate decision ”.

The winner of the competition will be the one who is closest to the real time of the end of the battle, both downward and upward. If the fight lasts the entire distance, the winner will be the one who indicates the winner and the format of the referee's decision (unanimous or separate) first. Only one comment is accepted from one participant.

Let's try? We are waiting for your comments, they are accepted until December 28, 2019, 23:59 Moscow time. We will summarize the results on December 29th.

Participate and win, let's make the fight even more long-awaited.

Where to bet on the battle?

Domestic bookmakers did not stand aside and offer a gorgeous line of bets on the battle. In the table, we have collected current offers and odds for basic outcomes.

If you want to place a bet not on the winner, but, for example, on the total of rounds, we recommend that you pay attention to the bookmaker with the widest possible list of bets on the battle by going to its website by clicking the button.

Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko

Fedor's biography has been studied up and down – literally every fact from the life of a fighter became public.

The mixed martial arts legend was born in 1975 in the Luhansk region. At the same time, there were no athletes in Fyodor's family – the fighter's father was engaged in welding, and Emelianenko's mother taught at the local vocational school. In addition to his brother Alexander, known to many, Fedor also has a sister. At the age of three, Fedor, along with his family, moved to Stary Oskol. Here “The Last Emperor” begins to study martial arts. At the same time, you cannot name the prosperous Emelianenko family – Fedor spent his childhood in a communal apartment.

First steps in sports and personal life

At the age of ten, Fedor begins to engage in disciplines that will later glorify him as a fighter – sambo and judo become the main elements in Emelianenko's life. He brings his younger brother to training, and he practices these types of martial arts even at night. From the “Last Emperor” school he went to vocational school, which he graduated with honors, but excessive diligence in his studies did not prevent the fighter from developing in sports. The army also had an influence on Emelianenko. There he ran, worked with a barbell and kettlebells and began to think about faith. The fighter came to Christianity, which is closely associated with the image of Emelianenko, in 2006.

Amateur and professional performances

Both sambo and judo, Fedor began to practice under the guidance of coach Gavrilov. Seeing the potential in the athlete, the famous Vladimir Voronov takes him into his class. Voronov himself singled out Fedor's incredible hard work, thanks to which he achieved similar successes in sports.

In 1997, Fedor demobilized and won the tournament in Kursk two months later, receiving the title of master of sports. The same award, only in sambo, was awarded to the athlete a year later. At the Russian Championship, he became a multiple medalist, and in 1999 he received an invitation to the national team and became the European champion in its composition. Realizing that he can also earn money by sports, Emelianenko left the camp of the national team and began to think about switching to mixed martial arts, continuing to perform in sambo.

The fighter masters the boxing technique and joins the Russian Top Team, which promotes his fighters in the world of MMA. The athlete left this club as an accomplished fighter in 2003 with a scandal, joining the Red Devil Fighting Team.

Start in MMA. Career at RINGS

At the beginning of the new century, Japan ruled the world of MMA. Japanese promotions were known all over the planet and spread their scout networks even to underground fight clubs in order to look for fighters there. Fedor's professional debut took place in the RINGS organization on May 21, 2000 in Tula. At the event Russia against Bulgaria, “The Last Emperor” defeated Martin Lazarov, and three months later defeated the Georgian Levon Lagvilava. An athlete with a record of 2-0 and two early victories was noticed in Japan and began to be invited to Japanese events. The first serious opponent for Fedor was the eminent Brazilian Ricardo Arona, with whom he fought in the opening round of the heavy division grand prix. Having won against his opponent, Fedor also won against Tsuyoshi Kosaki, but this fight was recognized as defeat for Emelianenko. The Russian received a cut, which is why he could not continue his performance in the tournament, so the Japanese was awarded the victory in the duel.

In 2001, the Japanese organization again holds the grand prix, in which Emelianenko again participates. On the way to the championship, Fedor, with the lever of his elbow, forces Kerry Goll to surrender and, by unanimous decision, overcomes Renata Sobral, becoming the winner of the tournament. Also, the athlete took part in the absolute weight grand prix and won again, and in the final he was opposed by top Chris Hazeman. As a result, with a record of 10-1 Fedor leaves the organization – the “Last Emperor” is intercepted by PRIDE.

Formation of Fedor as the best fighter of his time

A serious leap in Emelianenko's career took place in 2002, when he was signed by the most eminent organization of the planet at that time. In Japanese PRIDE, Fedor received not only recognition, but also worldwide fame. The fighter began his career in the promotion with a unanimous decision victory over Sammy Schilt, after which he became a contender for the belt, and in the contender bout by TKO he defeated Heath Herring. The championship fight against Nogueira was the beginning of an outstanding trilogy, which we will analyze separately.

Confrontation with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

For the first time, the fighters met in 2003, when the Brazilian was the champion and the clear favorite before the title fight with “The Last Emperor”. The first fight between the athletes did not cause doubts in the fan base – despite the Brazilian's impressive win streak, he lost in this fight for Fedor's clear advantage by unanimous decision. This outcome was the main upset of the year, but marked the beginning of a series of classic fighter encounters. The second fight took place when Fedor was deprived of the PRIDE belt due to his participation in the fight of the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye organization. The Russian took part in the Grand Prix, in which he dealt with the eminent opposition without any problems, after which he went to the title.

The second fight between the Russian and the Brazilian turned out to be more stubborn. The athletes had an equal fight. After the fight, Fedor noted a radically different approach from the opponent's side, but the fight was declared invalid due to the fact that the athletes collided with their heads and received a cut. The third part of the confrontation took place in 2004 and ended with Fedor's victory. If the “Last Emperor” gave the first round to his opponent, then in the second and third round he was able to restore parity and took the victory in the fight.

Further career at PRIDE. Fight with Cro-Cop

After the third fight between Fedor and Nogueira, he was taken to the Japanese Tsuyoshi Kosaku. Having defeated the opponent by technical knockout, the Russian had to fight with Mirko Filipovich, nicknamed “Cro-Cop”. Their fight was recognized as the main one in the first decade of the 21st century. The fight was preceded by mutual jokes. A video appeared on the Internet in which Emelianenko swore at a Croat during his fight against Alexander Emelianenko.

The fight itself fully justified its status. This fight is recommended for viewing by every fan of mixed martial arts. Fedor, however, finally secured the status of the smartest fighter in mixed martial arts. Cro-Cop was not ready for the Russian to fight him in a standing position. Fedor carefully used the advice of his corner and took away the victory expected by many in an incredible fight. After the fight, Fedor will have two more fights in the promotion, successfully defend his belt and leave PRIDE undefeated.

Period from 2007 to 2009

At this time, Fedor was actively trying to intercept the UFC, but negotiations failed over and over again due to not too good conditions on the part of the main promotion of the planet. As a result, Fedor signed a contract with M-1 Global. Thanks to the terms of the contract, Fedor took part in the battles of various organizations. In particular, Emelianenko went to fights in BodogFIGHT, Yarennoka! And Affiction. Here he defeats Matt Lindland, Choi Hong Man, and Tim Sylvia.

One of the main victories for the Russian is the successful result in the battle with Andrey Orlovsky. The former UFC champion approached the fight confident that he would win. The reality turned out to be much more severe – having had a good start of the meeting, Orlovsky ran into a gorgeous blow performed by Emelianenko. The thrown out hand became fatal – Orlovsky went to bed, and Fedor closed this page in the history of his performances.

Strikeforce Performances

After Fedor's extreme victory, they again became interested in the UFC. Fans were eager to see the Russian in a cage, but Dana White did not accept the terms of the fighter's management, as a result of which Fedor signed a contract with Strikeforce. The debut in the cage turned out to be extremely harsh – Brett Rogers instantly cut the face of the “Last Emperor”, but Fedor turned the tide of the meeting and won.

But the fight with Fabrice Werdum was fatal for the Russian. Having sent his opponent to the knockdown at the beginning of the fight, Fedor began to finish him off in his favorite manner, but got into strangulation, from which he could not get out. It seemed that this failure would not be fatal for the fighter, but his further performances confirmed the opposite. Fedor catastrophically loses to Bigfoot Silva, after which he unsuccessfully fights with Dan Henderson, which puts an end to his career in Strikeforce.

Retirement from sports

Constant rumors about Fedor's departure from MMA were repeatedly exaggerated by the press. The Russian remained silent for a long time, but wanted to leave with dignity, which is why on November 20 he fought at the M-1 tournament against Jeff Monson. Having defeated the Snowman by unanimous decision, in 2012 the Last Emperor will have two more successful fights, after which he will end his professional career.

Full return

The return of the Russian at the end of 2015 was unexpected. The Japanese organization Rizin FF accepted Fedor's fight with Jaydeep Singh. The Indian did not stand even a round – Fedor sent his opponent to a TKO. Emelianenko's next fight took place in mid-2016. The outcome of the battle with Fabio Maldonado was rather controversial – the Brazilian looked much better than the “Last Emperor” at the beginning of the meeting, knocked him down and dominated during most of the fight, but the panel of judges recognized the victory of the Russian athlete. WMMAA tried to challenge this decision, but the verdict of the judges remained the same.

Bellator appearances

In 2017, Fedor unexpectedly signed to the camp of the second most popular MMA organization in the United States. Bellator recruited Emelianenko at the 180th event, in which he defeated Matt Mitrion. At the same time, the bosses of the promotion came up with the idea of a grand prix, in which the strongest representatives of the heavy division of the first decade of the 21st century would participate. In the first fight, Fedor defeated Frank Mir, knocking him out at the beginning of the meeting. The fight with Chail Sonnen in the semifinals lasted three minutes longer and also ended with the victory of the Russian, but Fedor lost ahead of schedule in the final – Ryan Bader won the battle with the “Last Emperor” in 35 seconds by TKO.

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson

Clinton's childhood was invariably associated with illegal substances. His addicted father left the family when Jackson was less than ten years old. However, Jackson tried to study and fought for his school. Moving to college, the future fighter seriously increased his skills and at the age of 17 he began to participate in various tournaments both from his college and from his state, winning awards at various levels. After graduation, Jackson planned to get into the US national team, but, having met Bellator fighter Jacob Noah, he significantly improved his striking technique and moved to the camp of mixed martial arts representatives.

First steps in MMA

Initially, the athlete fought in a variety of American regional promotions, of which only King of the Cage can be distinguished, in which “Rampage” came out on the title for the first time in his career. The athlete fought Marvin Eastman, but lost to a more experienced opponent by unanimous decision. At the same time, the fighter became famous for cutting videos with his fights, where he picks up opponents and throws them onto the canvas. In the light heavyweight competition at KOTC, the American will still claim the belt, with a 10-1 record, joining PRIDE.

Career at PRIDE

Initially, the American was presented as a homeless person. This image stuck with him in Japan for many years. Jackson made his debut with a defeat to the much more experienced audience favorite Kazushi Sakuraba, but in the next fight he defeated Yuki Ishikawa. Quinton was so fond of the Japanese that they literally craved his next appearance in the ring. Having lost to Daichiro Matsumi by disqualification, the athlete entered an impressive win streak. He beat many famous opponents, including fighting according to the rules of kickboxing.

At the same time, Quinton announces his championship ambitions. Jackson is fielded in the PRIDE Grand Prix against the UFC, in which Rampage battles UFC fighter Chuck Lidell, beating him without issue. Having reached the final, the athlete loses to Wanderlei Silva. As it turned out, this battle was the beginning of a full-fledged conflict between the fighters. The second time in the title they met a year later at the 28th event of the organization. The Brazilian won by pure knockout, which meant the gradual end of Rampage's career in PRIDE. In Japan, he will fight four more fights and will leave the promotion at the end of the organization's existence.

UFC title

A fighter with a rich background was quickly taken to the title fight. Quinton needed to knock out Marvin Eastman at the 671st promotion event in order to then go out to battle with Chuck Liddell. The rematch between the fighters was presented as one of the main events in the history of light heavyweight, but the fight ended quickly enough. Already in the second minute of the fight, Quinton sent his opponent to sleep, winning by TKO. At the 75th event, Jackson defeated Dan Henderson as the coach for The Ultimate Fighter 7.

TUF 7

Forrest Griffin became Quinton's opponent on the show. Having chosen not the strongest line-up, Jackson's fighters were inferior to their rivals over and over again. The result was the final in which CBS Dolloway lost, leaving Jackson at a disadvantage. Rampage fought its show rival at the 86th event. The fight was close, but the judges gave a well-deserved victory to Forrest Griffin.

Further career in the UFC

Having lost the title, the athlete parted not only with his team, but also with his manager. After that, Jackson got into an accident – in a state of alcoholic intoxication, an American crashed a car. The next fight with his participation took place at the end of 2008. Jackson took revenge on his abuser in the person of Wanderlei Silva and knocked out his opponent. Defeating Keith Jardine, “Rampage” lost to Rashad Evans in the final event TUF: Heavyweights, during which he was raised as a fighter Roy Nelson. Despite a quarrel with the UFC, the fighter re-signs his contract and goes to win streak 2-0. Victories over Lyoto Machida and Matt Hamill lead the fighter to a title fight, in which he loses to John Jones by submission. By and large, this is where Rampage's career in the best promotion on the planet came to an end. He goes to fight a year, but loses first to Ryan Bader, and then to Glover Teixeira. Bellator intercepts the fighter's contract.

Bellator appearances

Defeating Joey Beltran, the athlete immediately gets into the light heavyweight division grand prix. Quinton faced Christian M'Pumba in the semifinals and Mo Laval in the final, but he undeniably defeated both competitors. Rampage made a return to the UFC, beating Fabio Maldonado before starting as a heavyweight at Bellator. And if Satoshi Ishii lost to the American by a split, then Mo Laval and Chale Sonnen were stronger than Rampage by unanimous decisions. In the extreme fight by TKO, Quinton was stronger than Wanderlei Silva.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUyiyFhDFwY

Press conference

Initially, it's worth noting that Fedor and Quinton have been friends since PRIDE. Athletes, as Fedor himself noted, repeatedly celebrated their victories together. Jackson considers Fedor to be one of his idols, so there is no need to expect a trash current before the fight. The athletes talked about their training camps. Fedor noted that he will train in the Moscow region. Also, the athletes expressed their gratitude to the promotion, as Bellator is hosting this fight in Japan.

The readiness of the fighters

The last performances of Quinton and Fedor are dated at the end of September last and January of this year, respectively. We can say that they were on a pardonable and practically equivalent break in their situation, which does not endow any athlete with any advantages.

The fact that this meeting could take place became known back in June, but the official confirmation came on October 9. The Fedor Team announced that Emelianenko will start preparing in early November and that his opponent is unlikely to plan to master the camp later, because Jackson's physical form leaves much to be desired and has a noticeable effect on speed. At their age, a full-fledged camp is an integral part of the entire preparatory process before the battle, requiring special attention and approach, which we have in this case.

Do not forget that the last few fights of athletes can tell about their sports form, which is important when it comes to older fighters. Quinton, for example, was defeated by Cheil Sonnen, going slide favorite, while Fedor dealt with him in the ground and pound, or nearly lost to Satoshi Ishi, who was a strong underdog. But everyone remembers the Russian's difficult victory over Fabio Maldonado, who was defeated by the American total, as well as quick defeats from Matt Mitrion and Ryan Bader – all this suggests that today both fighters are capable of both unexpectedly winning and losing, and this must be taken into account …

Motivation to win

The second most popular promotion, Bellator, is famous for pitting legends in a cage or taking them to iconic fights, raising ratings. It seems that Fedor's revenge with Bader will break all records, but if a Russian is considering this event, then he must win against Quinton.

Ryan plans to go down in light heavyweight, and Cheik Kongo, who is older than Emelianenko and in theory can give up his place in the title, is waiting for him in the heavyweight division, since there was no official announcement about the second fight between the American and the French. Rehabilitation for the extreme fiasco has not been canceled either, especially in Japan, which has become a second home.

As for Jackson, it is unlikely that he is dreaming of a championship, and even in case of defeat, he can count on continuing to work in the organization. Together with the statements that the Russian is his idol, and the fight with him is a dream that has been going on since the days of Pride FC, on his part we have the usual desire to win, inherent in all fighters, which, as in the case of the Russian, is supplemented by the charge from the performance in his native Japanese arena as well.

Fighters stats

Yuri Rapetskiy's forecast

In this controversial, despite the bookmaker's quotes, confrontation, in order to make a correct prediction, it is worth considering four aspects that appear in the octagon and can have a direct impact on the result.

Physical data

As for anthropometry, Quinton is 3 centimeters higher than his opponent, which Fedor neutralizes with a 4 centimeters large arm span. The last weigh-in showed 107 and 115 kilograms for the Russian and the American, respectively. But if Emelianenko was always at this mark, then Jackson came from light heavyweight and year after year was distinguished by an increase in mass, which can hardly be called useful and positively affecting the fighting characteristics, however, his stamina remained in place.

Endurance

If the fight drags on, then the ability of older heavyweights to work effectively in the cage for three rounds will definitely affect its outcome. Fedor has always been famous for his endurance, but in the last ten fights he only spent all three rounds on the canvas twice, while Quinton, who won more often and even more so lost by decisions, did it seven times – such a state of affairs can simply take a Russian by surprise. All this also adds up to a slight age difference.

Rack work

On his feet, Emelianenko has a sudden and quick punch, which is complemented by knockout power, from the first seconds he tries to exert maximum pressure on his opponent so as not to prolong the fight, because cardio begins to sag. However, Jackson can also take a good hit, but lately he prefers protracted fights in a stance with an infrequent clinch, where he has good boxing, low kicks and a steel jaw, which last failed more than ten years ago.

Parterre work

Perhaps the least likely turn of the battle is its transition to canvas, which is difficult to count on, even if it drags on. If earlier Fedor was always marked by a quick and easy takedown, today he seems to be deliberately trying not to go to the ground, although with his combat sambo base he definitely surpassed any of those with whom he met earlier. Quinton, on the other hand, looks weaker on paper in this aspect, but he is also not averse to fighting, being a basic fighter with a good arsenal of captures and defensive skills, which he, by analogy with the Russian, has long forgotten in his battles.

Optimal betting options

There are battles in which anything can happen, and this is one of them. Probably, the first minutes will be traditionally held in a stance, where Fedor's still high-speed and strong punch will collide with the iron jaw of Quinton, who is able to survive the first minutes of the fight, but has practically lost his knockout power, however, able to return in a fight with a Russian whose stamina is in doubt …

The fight is unlikely to be the key to the victory of one of the fighters, but if it comes to that, then today Jackson is seen as capable of neutralizing the strengths of Emelianenko, who, after active work in the rack, will begin to sag in cardio against the background of an opponent who is used to confrontations for three rounds. The American's chances of triumph are much higher than it follows from the odds, from which the bet on his victoria also makes sense.

Forecast:

• TB 0.5 by rounds
• Quinton will not lose in the first round
• P2

Alexey Pershin's forecast

Before giving a final forecast for this battle, we will try to disassemble every aspect of this battle in detail.

Anthropometry and experience

These parameters have a verbal meaning on the outcome of the fight, so we decided to include them in one paragraph. Despite the fact that Fedor spent fewer battles in the cage, the American has no advantage in this aspect. Firstly, Fedor spent his entire career as a heavyweight. Secondly, his level of opposition is no worse, even despite Quinton's performances in the UFC. As for anthropometry, the American will have to get it, while Fedor, in his classic form, will lead the entire camp. None of the athletes have advantages in height and arm span, so in this regard, opponents are more than equal.

Rack

You should take a closer look at this component, because, most likely, most of the battle will take place on your feet. Both athletes have great knockout power that never goes away over time. Both Fedor and Rampage won victories by technical knockouts relatively recently, and in their careers they looked much better. As a result, in this parameter we also have to state a draw.

Grappling

As for wrestling, Rampage prefers to behave passively on the ground. Despite the rich base of the freestyle wrestler, he rarely uses his grappling skills, which affects the final results of the athlete in the cage – most of Quinton's defeats are precisely due to the fact that he was banally controlled in the prone position. Fedor responds to this with an excellent translation technique. And, if suddenly the fight lasts longer than the second round, then this aspect will be decisive in determining the winner. In terms of grappling, we give preference to Fedor.

Protection and resilience

In this aspect, Fedor is colossally inferior to Rampage. Of course, Quinton has already been knocked out by some of his opponents, but in general, he holds the punch perfectly, while Fedor, after the first knockout in his professional career, is getting worse and worse in this aspect. He fails in defense because of his stance, often drops his hands and allows opponents to reach his chin, which became fatal in most fights with Emelianenko.

Endurance

Both athletes for a long time did not go beyond the first round, which is why it is rather difficult to talk about endurance. Nevertheless, we will highlight two facts. The first – for Fedor, the heavy weight category is native. In it, he spent most of his fights, so in his mass Emelianenko will be comfortable. The second is not a very comfortable weight class for Jackson. In fights that went more than half, Quinton looked very bad. He stopped working in series, was exhausted and dropped his hands, which is why he missed a large number of punches and lost in battles.

Outcome

Summing up the conclusion, we state the forecast in the form of an early stoppage of the fight. Both athletes are facing each other. Despite Fedor's advantage in terms of coefficient, it is worth paying attention to his extreme fights and not too good defense, which, due to the Lakipunche, may well lead to an early end of the fight. But do not underestimate the “Last Emperor” himself – he is more than capable of both knocking out an opponent and performing an effective technique.

Forecast: Early completion of the battle.