Emelianenko vs. Monson

This is the official discussion thread for Emelianenko vs. Monson. Let's see what you've got.

I'm fairly certain Fedor pulls off the victory here.
And right after I hope he retires.

This feels like the type of match up they would do in boxing to me just to get a W back on Fedor's record.  Monson used to be an animal, but Fedor is by far the better fighter only losing recently to world class fighters.

They should leave this kind of match up to the boxers, that's why they have lost so many fans, we don't want that for MMA

Fedor really should retire after this fight win or lose.

Thinking this could be a great fight...can't see Fedor losing a 4th fight in a row though

no way even a watered down fedor losses in mother russia.

I pick Monson because Im a huge fan of his. I think he could do better if he trained differently and fought less frequent but is still a great guy. I really hope Fedor has a brainfart and snowman submits him.

Fedor's striking will be too much for Monson.

I just don't see this going to decision.

Monson should do fine in the stand up ... till he gets hit a couple times.

Why does no body have faith in fedor anymore? He only has 3 legititimate losses out of 30ish.  Hes gonna come back with a vengance, just you watch!

because he is old fighter

Monson is a tough guy, but I don't see him being able to beat Fedor.

Switching to Emelianenko.

fedor should be to much on the feet for monson and i'd imagine can handle his own grappling

I don't see Fedor KO'ing Monson (due to Monson having quite the chin) but his sambo and striking should see him beat Snowman on the scorecards. Should.

To anyone out there that sat back, watched Anderson Silva go into his fight with Yushin Okami at a -600 favorite in his home country and dominate, and came out still believing that Okami was the best person to put up against Silva is an idiot. 

One must understand that in certain times, legendary fighters are entitled to a fight that establishes pride, rebuilds or reassures (in Silva's case) that elite status. I don't think its wrong for Fedor to take on a bit less of a competitor in an aged Jeff Monson in his home country. The man deserves a homeland show in which he will likely win and win in exciting fashion for the sake of the fans and the sake of fighting in the country. 

Also, after three straight losses he needs the reaffirming factor to prove that he is A. Not the newest egghead/glasschin B. Has not fallen to the mid-tier ranks. I mean, come on. If you lose to Monson, especially by KO its time to quit. 

Regardless, just like UFC 134 where most of the Brazilian's were treated to lesser competition to increase interest in the sport in Brazil, Russia is in a similar boat with this event. 

It's no different than boxing. You can't forget that MMA is a business as much as it is a sport. 

* Edited at 11.19.2011, 2:31 PM ET *

Put it this way @MajorRyan, if Fedor loses, then he really should retire. If Fedor wins he should stick to main eventing shows in Russia and other places in Europe. Maybe even get on some JMMA events.

I agree. If Fedor loses this fight, then he should retire. Monson is tailor made for Fedor to get a win. That would be like when Rich Franklin KO'd Chuck Liddell. Franklin had a style, and a chin that was tailor made for Chuck to get a win, but instead, Franklin caught Chuck. That fight was the tell tale sign for Chuck that his career was over.

 I don't think Monson is as easy of a win for Fedor as alot of you think he is.

Monson is a world class grappler and if he can get Fedor to the ground it could be a very long night for him and Russia. Monson also has a solid chin and if Fedor decides to go with the gameplan he had against Henderson (go out and just swing for the fences) i think Monson will be good enough to take him down and get the sub.

@justyn disagree.  this should be a very easy win, hand-picked by M1-Global because Monson is completely shot as a fighter.  Fedor has declined, but Monson is pretty much done.

I heard on SRN this week that Monson can't even sit on a plane because of back injuries.