Fedor Emelianenko Announces Retirement After Victory Over Pedro Rizzo

So long.

None

It's always difficult for any athlete to know beyond a shadow of a doubt when it's time to call it a career. However, after a first round victory over Pedro Rizzo in St. Petersburg, Russia, Fedor Emelianenko has decided to announcement his retirement. "I think it is time I quit," Emelianenko told state-owned Russian news agency RIA Novosti. "My daughters are growing without me; that's why it's time to leave," he continued. With an overall record of 34-4 and one no contest, Fedor will go down as one of the best mixed martial artist to ever step into the Octagon.

Fedor's legend has taken a hit over the last couple of years, especially following his three consecutive losses to Fabricio Werdum, Antonio Silva and Dan Henderson, respectively. Still, prior to those defeats, Emelianenko firmly established himself as one of the most feared fighters ever. Of course, the 35-year-old mixed martial artist did show he still has something left in tank following his first-round defeat of Rizzo, but Fedor is leaving the sport for the sake of his family and no one can fault him for that.      

RELATED: The 100 Greatest Athletes of the Complex Decade

RELATED: The 50 Best Submissions in the History of MMA 

RELATED: 10 Athletes Who Retired (By Choice) During Their Prime 

[via ESPN]

Latest in Sports