Fedor Emelianenko hadn't fought in nearly 22 months heading into Saturday's contest against Tim Johnson. Being 45-years-old and having a significant layoff would typically cause one to have some cage rust and perhaps father time would win out.
Well, Emelianenko prolonged father time for now as a quick three-punch combination, punctuated by a left hook, snapped Johnson's head back on the canvas to end the fight and win by knockout at the 1:41 mark of the first round from VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia, the home country of Emelianenko.
Immediately after both guys touched gloves, the crowd erupted with "Fedor" chants for its native Russian. Johnson came out the aggressor and landed a check-left hook to get Emelianenko's attention.
Emelianenko baited Johnson into an exchange. Johnson missed a right hand, and Emelianenko flashed a lightning-quick right hand, left hook, and a right hook to send Johnson crumbling to the canvas with Fedor raising his right hand, knowing the fight was over.
The question is: What's next for Emelianenko?
Emelianenko (40-6, 1 no-contest) has said that his next fight will be his last. However, with a performance like this one, it's hard to see "The Last Emperor" exiting the sport he's reigned over for nearly 20 years.
Here is what happened at Bellator 269: Fedor vs. Johnson.