Fedor Emelianenko Praises Frank Mir After Bellator 198 Victory

Speaking to reporters via translator after Bellator 198 (via MMAjunkie), Fedor Emelianenko addressed his tournament win over Frank Mir at the event. Below are some highlights from the scrum.

Bellator 198 was held on Saturday, April 28 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The event was broadcast live on the Paramount Network. Fedor now advances in the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament and faces Chael Sonnen in the next round.

Fedor Emelianenko on his reception from the fans: “We’ll see if it’s God’s will actually to give me the joy and happiness of the victory, but I really understand that’s not only me, but there are a lot of people who support me, who cheer for me, who pray for me, as well. It’s not only Russian people. These are Greeks. These are Serbians. These are people in America, as well. I was really surprised how warm, loved and welcomed I was here, so that’s why I’m really happy and why I’d like to thank all my fans and everybody who’s for me.”

On beating Frank Mir in 2018: “I don’t know what to answer. I’m sorry. Certainly, I need to say Frank is a great fighter. He’s a thinking fighter. He was on the very top, and he’s a very good and great fighter today, as well.”