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Fedor Emelianenko explains why Tim Johnson was 'the obvious choice' for Bellator 269 return

A lot was made about who Fedor Emelianenko would fight for the first leg of his retirement tour – and when Tim Johnson’s name surfaced as the chosen one to face “The Last Emperor” at Bellator 269, many people were surprised.

According to Bellator president Scott Coker, he left the matchmaking to the heavyweight legend Emelianenko (39-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) and said Johnson (15-7 MMA, 3-3 BMMA) was the name the Russian chose to face on home soil.

Why? Emelianenko explained for the first time on Tuesday.

“Tim Johnson had quite a winning streak going on,” Emelianenko told MMA Junkie at a virtual news conference. “That obviously shows he’s quite a good fighter. Fighting someone who is spearheading the (division) is always a great opportunity.”

As for the more frequently anticipated matchup ideas that circulated among fans online, names like former UFC heavyweight champion and current free agent Junior Dos Santos, Emelianenko explained why he went in a different direction.

“Aside from Tim Johnson, Dos Santos, for example, had a serious streak of losses alongside,” Emelianenko said. “He was also fighting for the UFC, as well. That is why I don’t think it would’ve been much suitable to fight him compared to Tim Johnson. Not to mention the fact that Bellator came up with a bunch of options and Tim was the obvious choice.”

While Emelianenko didn’t provide insight into his future opponent, he indicated the result of the bout vs. Johnson will not draw him away from his current plan of one additional pro mixed martial arts contest.

“Sport is sport and the results of this fight will not change my opinion,” Emelianenko said. “They will not influence my opinion in any way because sport is sport and my life plans are my life plans, which I will not change.”

Emelianenko, 45, has not competed since December 2019 when he defeated Quinton “Rampage” Jackson by first-round TKO. In his most recent four fights, Emelianenko is 3-1 with three first-round knockouts.

Bellator 269 takes place Saturday at VTB Arena. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.

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