Fedor Emelianenko`s exceptional athleticism at 48 years old continues to astound fans, even surpassing what Jon Jones, a decade his junior, claims he cannot do. UFC President Dana White had announced Jon Jones`s retirement earlier this summer, following a period of uncertainty and a somewhat uneventful reign as UFC heavyweight champion. However, the debate for the `Greatest of All Time` contender didn`t stay retired for long, as Jones soon declared his intention to return in 2026 for a proposed White House event. White, however, seems hesitant to approve this comeback, suggesting Jones might remain retired. Jones has consistently maintained his fitness in the gym, a commitment he`ll likely continue even if his return to fighting doesn`t materialize. In this regard, he could learn a great deal from Emelianenko`s enduring legacy of physical conditioning.
Fedor Emelianenko Maintains Elite Post-Career Fitness
Emelianenko, often hailed as the greatest fighter never to grace the UFC Octagon, is a strong contender in the heavyweight `Greatest of All Time` discussions and frequently features alongside legends like Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Jon Jones in MMA `Mount Rushmore` selections. Known as `The Last Emperor,` he forged an illustrious 48-fight professional career across prominent organizations such as Pride, Strikeforce, Bellator, and Rizin. His storied career concluded in 2023 when Ryan Bader delivered a knockout blow in their Bellator 290 title bout.
Now 48 years old and two years post-retirement, the legendary Russian has transitioned into a respected coaching role. However, this new chapter hasn`t led him to neglect his own physical conditioning. Remarkably, only a year after undergoing shoulder surgery, Emelianenko is once again demonstrating incredible athleticism during his gym sessions. In a video showcasing him effortlessly swinging on a bar, Emelianenko shared, “A year has passed since my complicated shoulder surgery,” in a caption translated from Russian. He further expressed, “I would like to express my deep gratitude to the specialists who worked on my recovery.”
Jon Jones and Fans React with Awe to Fedor Emelianenko’s Enduring Athleticism
The impressive display quickly caught the eye of Jon Jones, who openly admitted that despite being a full decade younger, he struggles to perform the same feats Emelianenko showcased. Jones commented on Instagram, stating, “I still have never done one of those.” Other notable reactions poured in from figures like former UFC and kickboxing star Gokhan Saki, who simply commented “Legend!”, and current UFC fighter Vitor Petrino, who responded with a string of fire emojis.
Numerous fans also expressed their shock and admiration for `The Last Emperor`s` incredible agility. One fan marveled, “240-pound men shouldn’t be able to do this.” Another fan enthusiastically suggested, “Forget it, book him against Tom Aspinall!” A third chimed in, “I’ve seen enough, Fedor vs. `Rampage` at the White House event!” A fourth comment noted, “Fedor looks in better shape retired than he did while competing.” Another fan summarized, “All things considered, this is wildly impressive.” And finally, a resounding “Best MMA fighter of all time.”
