Fedor Emelianenko has said he is willing to take part in an exhibition fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov. "I've given my blessing," Emelianenko said. He added that a platform still needs to be prepared, suggesting it could happen as part of the next world championship, with the location for the next edition still being decided.
Fedor Emelianenko says he is open to an exhibition fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, and that the idea already has his backing. "I've given my blessing," the Russian heavyweight legend said.
Emelianenko added that the bout still needs a platform. He suggested it could take place as part of the next world championship, though the location for that edition has not yet been decided. No date, venue or terms have been discussed publicly, and nothing has been agreed.
Emelianenko, 50, is a Russian fighter with a professional record of 36-5-0. He competes out of FedorTeam and fights from an orthodox stance. Statistically, he lands 3.18 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy, and averages two takedowns and 1.9 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Nurmagomedov, 38, retired with a perfect 29-0-0 record and fights out of Fightspirit Team. His most recent recorded fight was a second-round submission of Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title fight at UFC 254 on October 24, 2020. Before that he submitted Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 and Conor McGregor at UFC 229, giving him three straight title-fight finishes in our records. He lands 4.1 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and his takedown average of 5.32 per 15 minutes is more than double Emelianenko's.
Why it matters
- Size and age: Emelianenko is 12 years older, two inches taller at six feet against five-foot-ten, and owns a four-inch reach advantage (74 inches to 70).
- Style contrast: Nurmagomedov's takedown volume meets a veteran with a higher submission-attempt rate (1.9 against 0.8 per 15 minutes) and slightly better striking accuracy.
- Format: As an exhibition, the bout would carry no record implications for either man, and the rules and weight terms have not been addressed.
The two Russians are among the most recognizable names the sport has produced, which explains the interest in a pairing that, for now, rests on one side's stated willingness.
