Chael Sonnen fell up short against MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko last night, succumbing to a barrage of ground-and-pound in the semi-finals of Bellator’s heavyweight Grand Prix tournament at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
Sonnen, who is one of the most entertaining promoters in mixed martial arts, was dropped by Emelianenko in the first few seconds of the fight and never made it out of the opening round.
Speaking to reporters at the Bellator 208 post-fight press conference, Sonnen commended Emelianenko on his explosiveness and athleticism.
“I would call him explosive,” Sonnen said, per MMA Fighting’s Jose Youngs.