mma / News

Fedor Emelianenko Addresses His Scrapped Bellator 172 Bout With Matt Mitrione

February 19, 2017 | Posted by Jeffrey Harris

Speaking at the post-fight press conference for Bellator 172 (via MMAjunkie), heavyweight MMA fighter and all-time great Fedor Emelianenko addressed his scrapped main event bout with Matt Mitrione. Mitrione was forced to withdraw after making weight after falling ill. Here is what Emelianenko had to say at the press conference.

Emelinaneko on Mitrione falling ill and withdrawing from the fight: “The first emotions, that was a big surprise when Scott told that Matt got to the hospital. But that’s the life. And we have to accept it the way it is. That can happen with anybody, at any moment.”

His thoughts on the change: “I think it’s not really right to change the opponent just a few hours before the fight, at such a short notice. That’s why my decision and the decision of Bellator was to postpone the fight.”

On if he had any frustration: “No, they were not the most frustrating. We were just waiting. Was I nervous during that time? No, I was not very nervous. If it happened that way, that means that was God’s plan. And I accept it the way it is.”