Often, when a person mentions the name Fedor Emelianenko, that gets a, ”huh” or “who” response. It is without question that he is not so well known in the general publics’ eyes, but that is where his anonymity ends. W.A.M.M.A (World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts) champion, Fedor is famous in the market of martial arts fighting. His reputation was quickly established after defeating his opponent, Former U.F.C. (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and PRIDE champion Tim Sylvia in just 36 seconds, making him the first W.A.M.M.A World Heavyweight champion.

Born 1976 in the Luhansk Oblast region of the Ukrainian province of the Soviet Union, Fedor was raised in a traditional sized family of six, including one older sister and two younger brothers. Raised by mother, a teacher, and his father, a steel worker, Fedor was brought up in a harsh region, plagued by common rivalries and neighborly competition. Because of these challenges, Fedor became aware of his weaknesses and beginning at the very young age of ten, Fedor became intrigued with the Sambo and Judo art forms.

Fedor began his training young, it is even noted by his trainer that Fedor was frail, but his initial trainer, Vasiliy Ivanovich Gavrilov, worked with him to develop what talents he had. His current trainer, Vladimir Mihailovich Voronov, made it clear that he was still physically weak and lacked the much needed grappling skills, but he also recognized his desire to succeed and applauded his perseverance. Fedor’s strong will is what guided and pushed him to become the champion that he is today. His perseverance also attracted the attention of his younger brother, Aleksander Emelianenko, who today is also training, but at a different level than his elder brother.

After graduating with honors in 1994 from a professional trade school, Fedor took a short break and continued his training. His interests stretched into many areas, when not training, Fedor entertained himself with his favorite hobbies: listening to music, reading and drawing on occasion. Fedor, from 1995-1997, served as a military firefighter in the Russian Army. During his stint in the military, he was unable to continue his training although he was able to maintain a strict running and lifting regime using his homemade weight set. This did not add to his Sambo or his Judo skill training but it did further improve his strength and he gained increased endurance.

In 1997, Emelianenko received his “Master” designation in the Sambo and Judo art and became part of the Russian National team. Emelianenko toured with the team for over 18 months competing in both national and international prize fighting events.

Upon completion of his tour with the national Sambo and Judo team, and after a long romance, he finally married his girlfriend Oksana; a short time after their marriage, their first daughter Masha was born. With so many fights and appearances to maintain his reputation, Fedor realized he wasn’t holding on to the relationship with his wife and after a rocky seven relationship, Fedor ended his marriage. Currently, Fedor is living his new life with his new family, Marina and Vasilisa, born December, 2007.