Fedor Emelianenko Talks WMMA: There Are Sports Where Women Look Like Women

In the wake of Ronda Rousey’s jaw-dropping submission of Cat Zingano at last month’s UFC 184, there has been a ton of discussion about ‘Rowdy’ facing off against male fighters in the UFC.

The polarizing issue was raised when Joe Rogan claimed that she could beat ’50 percent’ of male UFC bantamweights, and it was furthered when Rousey said that she would have a chance against any fighter in the world. But the dominant champion soon put that talk to bed, noting that the highly speculative prospect would simply never come to fruition.

The fact that this topic is even a valid one in today’s MMA landscape shows just how far the sport has come in recent times. However, there’s a legend of the sport that isn’t on board with the progressive nature that fighting has taken over the last few years.

That man is all-time great Fedor Emelianenko, who ruled over the Pride heavyweight division for years while amassing a 28-fight unbeaten streak. Speaking through an interpreter in an interview with WHOATV (via MMAJunkie.com), Emelianenko said that while he believes Rousey’s fights to be interesting, he still doesn’t support women fighting:

“He saw her fight,” Fedor’s interpreter said. “She has really interesting fights. Maybe a little bit of improvement to striking, but he doesn’t support women’s MMA.”

Known for his old-world beliefs and commitment to his faith, Emelianenko is from a different time in fighting, and also from a different part of the world compared to the United States, where women’s MMA is obviously booming in an era that the sport needs it to.

Perhaps because of that, Emelianenko gave a staunch criticism of women’s MMA by focusing on how masculine female fighters look:

“Women shouldn’t compete in UFC/MMA because this sport is for men. There are a lot of sports where women look like women – like gymnastics, water sports, maybe some athletics.”

“The Last Emperor’s” words will most likely be construed as misogynistic and close-minded as women’s MMA continues to become more and more a part of a still-growing sport. But Emelianenko doesn’t have to like it, and overall he believes women just shouldn’t be fighting:

“He’s telling that women shouldn’t fight. MMA is for men. It’s a man sport.”

It’s true that MMA is for men, but it’s also true that women can throw down in the center of the cage to great results as well. What are your views on Fedor’s outspoken words?

Does he have a point, or is he just stuck in the past?