Following Fedor Emelianenko’s first-round knockout over Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan, many suspected it would be the final fight to conclude a storied career. Emelianenko is undefeated in 13 bouts at Saitama — including nostalgic victories against Kevin Randleman, Mirko Cro Cop and Mark Coleman.
Saitama was the ideal location for a final curtain call and in his post-fight speech Emelianenko seemingly retired.
“Unfortunately and regretfully, I want to say that perhaps my career stops here on my win in Japan, and thank you very much,” Emelianenko told the audience (transcription by MMA Fighting)
However, for the 43-year-old MMA legend it seems that this was just an error in translation.