Fedor Emelianenko has revealed that his brother Alexander was poorly prepared for his fight against Mirko Cro Cop, arriving at the bout weighing 126 kg after being advised to cut down to around 118 kg. Fedor said he, manager Vadim Finkelstein, and Alexander's coaches all tried to talk him out of taking the fight, but Alexander insisted on it. Fedor also dismissed Alexander's claims that he was thrown to Cro Cop against his will, noting that he himself had no scheduled bout with Mirko at the time and was competing in a Grand Prix.
Fedor Emelianenko has offered a candid account of the circumstances surrounding his brother Alexander's bout against Mirko Cro Cop, revealing that Alexander arrived at the fight in poor physical condition and well above a recommended weight.
Speaking in an interview, the legendary Russian heavyweight explained that Alexander came in at 126 kilograms despite having been advised to trim down to approximately 118 kilograms beforehand. Fedor said he, manager Vadim Finkelstein, and Alexander's coaching staff all attempted to dissuade Alexander from taking the fight, but Alexander pushed ahead regardless.
Fedor, 49, is one of the most decorated heavyweights in MMA history. The six-foot Orthodox striker from Russia carries a professional record of 36-5-0 and built his reputation with a well-rounded game that combines powerful hands — landing 3.18 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy — with a persistent ground attack averaging two takedowns and nearly two submission attempts per 15 minutes. At the time of the Cro Cop fight he had no scheduled bout with Mirko himself and was competing in a separate Grand Prix.
Fedor also pushed back on Alexander's suggestion that he was pushed into the matchup against his wishes. According to Fedor, the decision was entirely his brother's own, made despite the collective concern of those around him.
Why it matters
- The account directly contradicts Alexander Emelianenko's version of events, adding a new layer to a long-running dispute within the family's fighting circle.
- Fedor's confirmation that he had no scheduled bout with Cro Cop at the time undercuts any suggestion the matchup was arranged as part of a broader deal involving the Emelianenko brothers.
- The weight revelation — eight kilograms above a recommended ceiling — raises questions about Alexander's preparation and the influence of his team heading into a high-profile contest against a proven finisher.
