UFC heavyweight icon Jon Jones fed fans a moment that blended respect with competition, naming Fedor Emelianenko as one of his all-time favorite fighters. The exchange happened against the backdrop of a high-profile cross-promotion event in Saudi Arabia, where fighters from different promotions gathered to showcase elite talent in a joint spectacle featuring PFL and Bellator. Jones spoke plainly about the Russian legend, highlighting the impact Emelianenko has had on the sport and on him personally, a sentiment that reverberated through the arena and across social media as soon as the words left his lips.
The two fighters crossed paths in Riyadh, a city that had become a hub for mixed martial arts this year, drawing fans from around the world to witness the rare convergence of bellator talent, PFL athletes, and a collection of top contenders in a single, sprawling event. The meeting was less a clash of styles and more a showpiece of mutual respect between generations, a reminder of how the sport often bridges gaps between eras while spotlighting the enduring legacy of its most storied competitors.
With warmth evident in his gesture, Jones added a personal touch to the moment, kissing Emelianenko’s hand and embracing him in a heartfelt display of camaraderie. He spoke directly to the Russian fighter, expressing enduring admiration and affection that transcends competition. The moment underscored a spirit of sportsmanship that fans associate with both athletes, pairing intense rivalry with genuine appreciation for what each has contributed to MMA. This interchange was a highlight in a weekend that mixed competition with history, and it offered a tangible reminder of how fighters often become role models and mentors for one another, even when their paths would otherwise be chalked up as adversarial on paper.
Meanwhile, Vadim Nemkov, a fighter from Emelianenko’s team, traveled to Riyadh to vie for victory in a bout that showcased the depth of talent in the roster surrounding the legendary Russian. Nemkov’s pursuit of a win against Bruno Cappelozzu reflected the broader narrative of a tournament that sought to unify styles and showcase the evolving strategies that define modern MMA. His presence in the event underscored the collaborative spirit of the gathering, where teams and camps could align for a shared stage even as they pursued personal triumphs inside the cage.
Significant milestones formed the backbone of the Saudi show’s storyline. On February 5, 2023, Fedor Emelianenko stepped away from active competition after a defeat to American veteran Ryan Bader in Bellator 290. The result marked a turning point in a career that had filled nearly five decades with memorable battles, dramatic comebacks, and a string of performances that left an indelible imprint on the sport. The veteran Russian fought a total of 48 MMA bouts, recording 40 victories and seven losses in the process, a résumé that solidified his status as a pioneer whose influence extended beyond wins and losses into the realm of technique, mindset, and enduring resilience.
In March 2023, Jon Jones ascended to the UFC heavyweight throne in a high-profile victory over Cyril Gane, seizing the championship belt and signaling a renewed chapter in a career defined by longevity and competitive evolution. Jones would go on to defend the title eleven times, maintaining an undefeated run that stretched across more than a decade in the UFC. His professional ledger grew to 27 wins and a single loss, a record that positioned him among the sport’s most celebrated and scrutinized figures. An additional fight reportedly deemed invalid did little to dampen the overall arc of his ascent, which continued to shape the division’s dynamics and the conversation around who might challenge his supremacy in the years ahead.
Looking back at the broader narrative, Nemkov previously spoke about bonds within the NWO region, highlighting friendships and professional respect that extend beyond any single promotion or promotional feud. This perspective reinforced the sense that MMA can function as a global community, where athletes, coaches, and teams from diverse backgrounds come together, learn from one another, and collectively raise the level of competition. The Riyadh spectacle, with its blend of cross-promotional matchups and ceremonial moments, served as a microcosm of that larger truth, illustrating how the sport thrives on connection, admiration, and the shared pursuit of excellence.