Aleksander Emelianenko retires from MMA

“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to perform in the ring anymore because of health problems caused by old injuries. As an athlete, it’s very difficult for me to come to terms with this.

“I’m grateful to the fans and sponsors for their support and for believing in me. I’m also grateful to my opponents. Your ill-will always made me move forward and achieve new results.

“I understand that I’ll now be facing a lot of accusations and criticism, which are unrelated to my direct line of work. Unfortunately, there’ll always be people, who would want to score points for themselves in any negative situation. I wouldn’t like make any comments, explain anything or offer excuses. Every living person does good and bad things. This is what we are. I’m sure that I’ve made a lot for the sport, attracting many young people in the gyms by my example.” – Official website (via BloodyElbow.com)

Not long after his brother decided to call it quits, Alexander “The Grim Reaper” Emelianenko has officially announced his retirement from pro MMA competition. Widely considered as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the old school PRIDE era, Emelianenko’s final MMA record stands at 21 victories and 6 losses.

Emelianenko’s biggest victory was against Sergei Kharitonov back at PRIDE Final Conflict Absolute (2006). Notable performances against James Thompson and Mirko Filipovic would always be associated wtih Aleksander Emelianenko, as well as the controversial ones against Peter Graham and Eddy Bengtsson.

AE attempted a comeback in 2012, competing four times for M-1 Global. His last fight took place one month ago (November 15) – a North-South Submission loss to Jeff “The Snowman” Monson in Round 2.

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