Fedor Emelianenko Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Career, Legacy

Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko, known as “The Last Emperor,” is a retired Russian mixed martial artist widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history.

He dominated the sport during his prime, particularly in PRIDE Fighting Championships from 2002 to 2007, where he held the Heavyweight Championship and maintained an unbeaten streak for nearly a decade.

Renowned for his sambo expertise, explosive striking, and stoic demeanor, Emelianenko defeated elite fighters like Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mirko Cro Cop. After PRIDE, he competed in organizations like Strikeforce and Bellator MMA, retiring in 2023.

Profile

• Full Name: Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko
• Stage Name: The Last Emperor
• Born: 28 September, 1976
• Age: 48 years old
• Birthplace: Rubizhne, Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine (then Soviet Union)
• Nationality: Russian
• Occupation: Retired Mixed Martial Artist, Coach
• Height: 1.83 m
• Parents: Vladimir Alexandrovich Emelianenko, Olga Fedorovna Emelianenko
• Siblings: Marina Emelianenko, Alexander Emelianenko, Ivan Emelianenko
• Spouse: Oksana Emelianenko (m. 2014), Marina Emelianenko (m. 2009–2013), Oksana Emelianenko (m. 1999–2006)
• Children: Masha Emelianenko, Vasilisa Emelianenko, Elizaveta Emelianenko
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $18 million

Early Life and Education

Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko was born on September 28, 1976, in Rubizhne, Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. Raised in Stary Oskol, Russia, by his father, Vladimir, a welder, and his mother, Olga, a teacher, he grew up alongside siblings Marina, Alexander, and Ivan.

Fedor began training in sambo and judo at age 11, excelling in combat sports. He graduated from a vocational school in 1994 as an electrician and later attended Belgorod State University, though details of any degrees are undisclosed.

His ethnicity is Russian, and he is a devout Russian Orthodox Christian.

Career

Fedor Emelianenko began his career in mixed martial arts in 2000 with the Russian RINGS promotion, debuting with a submission victory over Martin Lazarov. His sambo background, honed under coaches like Vasily Gavrilov, gave him a versatile skill set.

In 2002, he joined PRIDE Fighting Championships, where he quickly rose to prominence by defeating Heath Herring to earn a title shot. Emelianenko won the PRIDE Heavyweight Championship in 2003 by defeating Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and defended it against top contenders like Kevin Randleman and Mark Coleman.

His 2004 knockout of Nogueira and 2005 win over Mirko Cro Cop solidified his dominance.

Emelianenko’s unbeaten streak from 2000 to 2009 made him a legend in PRIDE, with victories over 10 former or future world champions. After PRIDE’s collapse in 2007, he competed in promotions like Strikeforce, facing Fabricio Werdum, who ended his streak with a 2010 submission loss.

Emelianenko later joined Bellator MMA in 2017, defeating Frank Mir but losing to Ryan Bader in the 2019 Heavyweight Grand Prix final. His resilience shone in later fights, including a 2021 knockout of Tim Johnson.

He retired in 2023 after a loss to Bader, finishing with a 40-7 record and a lasting impact as PRIDE’s greatest heavyweight.

Post-retirement, Fedor Emelianenko focuses on coaching and mentoring young fighters in Russia, particularly through his role as president of the Russian MMA Union. He has trained at his gym in Stary Oskol, influencing fighters like Vadim Nemkov.

His contributions to MMA earned him accolades, including multiple Fighter of the Year awards from Sherdog and MMA Fighting. Emelianenko’s disciplined approach and humility continue to inspire the global MMA community, with fans on X praising his legacy as a pioneer who elevated the sport’s credibility in Russia and beyond.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @fedoremelianenkoofficial
• Facebook Handle: Fedor Emelianenko

Personal Life

Fedor Emelianenko has experienced three marriages and is the father of five daughters. In 1999, he married his high-school sweetheart, Oksana, and they welcomed their first daughter, Maria (“Masha”), that same year before divorcing in 2006.

He then entered a relationship with Marina, and in December 2007, their daughter Vasilisa was born; they married in October 2009 and had a second daughter, Elizabeth, in July 2011 before divorcing in mid‑2013.

In February 2014, Fedor reconciled with and remarried Oksana; the couple subsequently had two more daughters—one around March 2017 and another in January 2019—bringing Fedor’s total to five daughters.

Net Worth

Fedor Emelianenko has an estimated net worth of around $18 million USD. His wealth primarily stems from fight purses and bonuses earned during his PRIDE, Strikeforce, and Bellator careers, with significant earnings from high-profile bouts in Japan and Russia. Additional income comes from coaching, endorsements, and his role in the Russian MMA Union.