Fedor Emelianenko is a Russian Sambo expert that is widely regarded as the best heavyweight in the world.

Emelianenko has an almost unblemished record with his sole loss coming under questionable circumstances in Rings back in 2000.

He has had success in Judo and Sambo, racking up numerous golds in competition for both, most notably four golds in the World Combat Sambo championships.

Moving from Rings after winning the 'Rings World Class tournament', Emelianenko won the Pride heavyweight title in 2003, keeping it until the promotion's demise and defending it for the final time on New Year's Eve, 2006.

He then won the WAMMA title in Affliction, defeating Tim Sylvia and Andre Arlovski before signing for Strikeforce.