Former absolute world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson addressed Fedor Emelianenko’s recent declaration about wanting a boxing match in August. Tyson’s reply was quoted by Sports Express, underscoring a cool but firm stance on the idea.
There will be no bout between Tyson and Emelianenko. Tyson described Emelianenko as a hero—one of his idols—and made clear that any potential matchup would not become a reality at this time.
Earlier this year, Emelianenko faced Ryan Bader at Bellator 290, with the contest concluding in the opening round. The official decision came in the third minute of the round, and soon after, Emelianenko announced his retirement from competitive fighting.
Back in January 2019, the two competitors shared the arena in a memorable clash inside the octagon. On that occasion, the American athlete secured a victory in a brisk 35 seconds. Across his MMA career, the Russian star accumulated a record of 48 fights, with 40 wins and seven defeats, marking him as one of the sport’s most enduring figures.
On August 19, 2023, Emelianenko stepped away from the post of president of the Russian MMA Union, a role he had held since 2022. His leadership era in the organization had drawn attention as he steered its direction and activities for several years.
Earlier public statements from UFC president Dana White had involved Emelianenko as a focal point of interest, reflecting the cross-promotional chatter that has long surrounded the Russian fighter and his place within the larger world of mixed martial arts and combat sports. The conversation around these figures often touches on legacy, influence, and the evolving relationship between boxing and MMA in North America and beyond, as noted by industry observers and media outlets such as Sports Express and others cited in the coverage.