A random thought on the Last Emperor Fedor Emeliananko. For eight years now we have had the pleasure of watching Fedor dismantle opponents with such ease and conviction. No one has decisively stopped the man in that time. He has beaten many of the best the sport has to offer. His reign of terror is unmatched in MMA.
Why? Why is it that when this man gets in the ring that any other world class athlete is reduced to a punching bag or BJJ sub example? What is this aura that makes him so un-defeatable?
The first and most prominent answer to that question is fear. Fedor made a name for himself many years ago, but his legend has far out shined his name at this point. His talent level is undeniable, but intimidation is huge phsycologicaly.
Any man who has fought in MMA for any amount of time knows Fedor’s accolades. If they do not fear those accolades either something is wrong, they will never face Fedor, or they feel they have what it takes to stop him.
This past weekend Andre Arlovski entered the ring with Fedor. Something was missing this time. That fear that so many before him had in their hearts and minds, was not in the ring with Arlovski. The Pit-bull was doing a fine job of going about his business for a short period of time. His attacks gave me butterflies, I really thought we might see an upset, even though I was for Fedor.
The fact that the fear was missing may have very well cost him the fight though. His rush to charge Fedor and attack, left him open and we all know the rest. It was night night for Arlovski.
In the short time before the KO, I was watching in awe of Andre. Surprised that he was so effective and calm against the champ. His strikes were sharp, fast, and crisp. His forward movement, and stalking of the champ was encouraging if you were hoping for an exciting fight.
One thing occurred to me over and over again. Why didn’t he kick Fedor in the face every time he ducked his head? There was a point in the match where Fedor attempted to swing and Arlovski had since move away. Fedor led with his head, face down, arm flying. He literally bent over with little to no protection in place for his head. Had Arlovski stayed in the pocket Fedor’s head would have been sitting there on a silver platter.
If you have seen enough of Fedor’s fights you more than likely have noticed his striking style is unorthodox. Effective but wild. I like to think of it as controlled mayhem, but it is consistent. There is a distinct pattern of him dropping his head, and letting his hands fly.
I am stunned, that not only had none of his previous opponents reacted to this, but Arlovski was actually out striking Fedor and never once attempted to capitalize. This is a glaring weakness in Fedor’s game. It leaves him open to anything from an uppercut, or kick, to a flying knee.
Perhaps a flying knee is what Arlovski had in mind during his final charge. Perhaps my point has already been made moot by Fedor himself with one right hand. One has to wonder though, even if it didn’t go Arlovski’s way, is this the dent in Fedor’s armor? Will this style cost him his first KO?
One thing is certain. If I’m in the opposite corner from Fedor. I tell my fighter to watch that head, and when it drops, bomb it, but do so cautiously. Don’t get excited but every time he drops his head to swing, circle to the side and land something big.
This habit is too prevalent in many of his fights to ignore. It reminds me of the tactic Nog uses so often, of falling to his back and exaggerating his injury to draw you into his guard. It is predictable. While it isn’t bait, Fedor regularly drops his face towards the floor when striking. It is predictable, and if one could avoid the incoming bombs they would find a nice snack at the end of the exchange, in an exposed vital target being Fedor’s downward pointing face.
Surely someone can capitalize on this. He is just a man and is capable of being beaten. Someone should let him know that. Someone should believe in their ability and give this man the fight he surely desires, and deserves.
Its been awhile since someone really tested Fedor, and its high time it happens again. I love the guy as a fighter. His attitude as a champion is admirable. I don’t necessarily wish any ill will towards him and have always been a fan. Hopefully his corner sees the issue and corrects it, but after all this time I don’t see that happening.
I’m a fight fan first, and loyalties come second in my corner. I tend to diagnose and analyze things when enjoying a fight. Ive always wondered why he was so successful in his wars with such a glaring opening be made apparent so often. What I really wonder is why these world class fighters can’t recognize and capitalize on it.
Easier said than done when one of the best fighters MMA has ever seen is trying to knock your block off or break your arm. As an armchair warrior it is easy to overlook the details when focusing on one point you find worth talking about.
I hope Fedor wins forever, and retires with the greatest MMA record in history. I never wish anything but the best for him and his camp. That being said, if there is a way to beat a man that is unbeatable, as a pure fight fan I’d like to see that too. I think I’m on to a point that may very well end his unbeaten legacy if the right man can pull it off.
Problem is, we are all still waiting for that right man to come along and do it. I will not be holding my breath but this is food for thought for anyone who faces him.
