‘Sad way to go’: Fighters react to Ryan Bader sending Fedor Emelianenko into retirement at Bellator 290

Fedor Emelianenko went out on his shield.

“The Last Emperor” made his final walkout for a fight on Saturday at Bellator 290 in Inglewood, Calif., to challenge Ryan Bader for the heavyweight title. This was the second meeting between the two and like the first, which ended in a 35-second knockout for Bader, Emelianenko found himself overwhelmed.

This time it took Bader a little longer to score a first-round finish, but his performance was no less impressive and it certainly left no question that this should be the last we see of the once indomitable Emelianenko.

This momentous event drew many reactions from the MMA world, with some lamenting Emelianenko’s loss and others praising Bader for his excellence. All of them recognizing the magnitude of the occasion.

Past opponent Tim Sylvia called Emelianenko the “GOAT” of heavyweights, while UFC bantamweight competitor Rob Font wrote, “Sad Way to Go .”

See more reactions to Emelianenko’s retirement bout here.

Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/4/23586273/sad-way-to-go-fighters-react-to-ryan-bader-sending-fedor-emelianenko-into-retirement-at-bellator-290?rand=96749