Which UFC fighter was nicknamed “The Last Emperor” during his heavyweight career?

Fedor Emelianenko was nicknamed “The Last Emperor” during his heavyweight MMA career.

The Russian fighter became one of the most celebrated heavyweights in MMA history while competing primarily for Pride Fighting Championships. He won the Pride heavyweight championship in 2003 and defended the title several times before the organization closed in 2007.

Emelianenko combined sambo throws, powerful ground-and-pound, positional control, and fast punching combinations. His major victories included wins over Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, and Tim Sylvia. Although he never fought in the UFC, his accomplishments are central to the history of modern heavyweight MMA.

The nickname is sometimes confused with titles used by other fighters, but “The Last Emperor” specifically refers to Emelianenko. He represented Russia internationally and was a multiple-time world champion in combat sambo.