Attend an MMA event in Russia and you will be met with a sea of ‘Last Emperor' shirts emphasizing the importance of MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. He is a national hero, one who propelled the sport to new heights, and compiled a win streak during his peak years that will be forever etched in history.
Given the respect and admiration that Fedor has garnered over the past decade, it came as quite a surprise when the former Pride heavyweight champion revealed that the current generation of Russian fighters do not seek out his advice, or even want his help.
"I can see that I could help many our guys," Fedor said in an extended interview with M-1 Global. "And more - I can see the mistakes that Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos use to make. Of course Velasquez is best in our time but I see his flaws. Still I can't understand why our fighters can't take what I could give them. Or they just don't want to take it."
According to Fedor, it is a matter of pride. Many Russian fighters have built up experience fighting and are already set in their way. They no longer have any interest in enlisting the help of a retired competitor. However, this does free Fedor up to train with beginners - humble and ambitious youngsters who are still in awe of his accomplishments in the sport.
"Many of our fighters consider themselves to be seasoned and experienced fighters. They reject my help many times. So I am only left to work with newcomers. It's easier to work with them."
As the President of the Russian MMA Union, Fedor has officially transitioned from the role of active competitor to high-ranking executive. With limited free time, he focuses his efforts on developing and promoting MMA in the region.
"Of course now I'm official executive. Now I try to develop MMA in our regions. I try to do everything that depends on me. But no matter what I'm the person of sport. MMA is in my blood till the end."