Fedor Emelianenko, the former PRIDE and Bellator heavyweight champion, has pushed back against recent remarks by UFC president Dana White, labeling them "nonsense" and accusing White of inconsistency.
In a response published Thursday, Emelianenko said White "always changes his story" regarding the Russian fighter's legacy and potential crossover fights. The exchange adds another chapter to the long-standing tension between the MMA icon and the UFC boss.
White has previously questioned Emelianenko's greatness and suggested he avoided fighting in the UFC during his prime. Emelianenko, who retired in 2023, has consistently maintained that contractual obligations and promotional differences prevented a move to the Octagon.
The 48-year-old Russian, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history, finished his career with a record of 40 wins, 7 losses, and 1 no-contest. White's comments came during a recent media appearance, though specific details were not disclosed.
