04/16/24
June 28, 2010
Emelianenko Loses to Werdum: Fedor Emelianenko, the most dominant heavyweight in mixed martial arts history, tapped out 69 seconds into the first round to Fabricio Werdum Saturday night. Emelianenko, now 31-2, made an early strategic error that sent him to his first loss aside from a 2002 defeat on a technicality.
posted by tron7 at 01:38 PM on June 28, 2010
It's so hard to say with Fedor. He's been dominant for so long, but isn't fighting the best guys anymore. This was human error. A slip up early on by Fedor trying to end it too early. I mean, he walked up and measured Verdum for about ten seconds then just lazer-beamed s straight right on the button. He still has crazy accuracy with his hands.
But he isn't fighting the best guys anymore. So what's it all mean?
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 06:24 PM on June 28, 2010
Fedor is getting older and has not been fighting the higher end guys, but he can still throw hands. In my eyes this was simply a tacticle error. BJJ guys are always dangerous on the ground, so why the hell does he stay down there in the first place?
White's smugness is annoying to be sure, but failing to take on an actual contender has taken the Last Emporer down a notch and given his naysayers undo cred. I think we will all get robbed if we can't see Fedor against the best the UFC can put out there.
posted by Tigginator at 07:00 PM on June 28, 2010
Fedor seemed a bit too comfortable in the danger zone after knocking down Werdum. He got out of one armbar attempt and didn't seem very concerned and stayed postured for some more ground and pound, where if he would have tried to get into half guard or kept his arms out of danger he probably would have been safe. I think the mistake that Fedor probably made in his head was assuming that Werdum was hurt more than he actually was.
I'm bummed by the loss as it gives the people who dislike Fedor more ammo. I hope the loss somehow works it out that the UFC is now able to sign Fedor.