Video: Former PRIDE champ Fedor Emelianenko has no plans to end his retirement

NEW YORK – Fedor Emelianenko hasn’t fought since June 2012 and, barring a significant change of heart, he has no plans of ever fighting professionally again.

The heavyweight legend spoke to MMAjunkie in New York during media events for Bellator 134 and gave his thoughts on a variety of subjects, including the current state of the heavyweight division.

“The heavyweight division, in my opinion, has always been interesting,” Emelianenko said through an interpreter. “Back in the day, as well as now. One of my favorite fighters to watch right now is [UFC heavyweight champion Cain] Velasquez, of course. The more angles a fighter has in any division, the better fighter he is.”

Emelianenko (34-4) built his legacy in the “wild west” days of PRIDE. Despite operating in a largely unregulated area during his prime, he believes the sport can not thrive in an environment with rampant performance enhancing drug use.

“It’s a shame really that the fighters out there use drugs and steroids,” Emelianenko said when asked about the recent rash of drug test failures in the UFC. “MMA, of course, should fight it in every way they’re capable to do so. It reflects badly not only on the fighters but on the fans and MMA as a sport. In any sport really, usage of steroids isn’t acceptable.

“There’s definitely room for improvement. I believe that MMA definitely can speak on the matter more frequently and penalize those who were proven to use drugs to stimulate their performance. It’s probably not done enough and can most certainly be done more often. As a fighter or any athlete, when you step into the arena you take an oath which you break by enhancing your performance with drugs.”

The past few years have allowed Emelianenko to heal physically. However, a well-rested body is not the key to his return to active competition.

“I’m loving my life right now without the fights,” Emelianenko said. “I’m enjoying the time off, I’m enjoying the retirement. I’m giving my body the chance to heal and recuperate. I’m advocating on behalf of MMA in Russia as well as worldwide. As it is right now I don’t have any plans on coming back.”

Check out the full video interview above.

For more on Bellator 134, check out the MMA Events section of the site.