Michael Bisping suggests Fedor Emelianenko lost because he could not use steroids

MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko lost in devastating fashion in his Bellator debut over the weekend at Bellator NYC.

“The Last Emporer” is often talked about in the debate of the greatest mixed martial arts fighter of all time but was knocked out in the first round against Matt Mitrione on Saturday night at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping spoke about Emelianenko’s loss and suggested one major reason for his lack of wins in the states.

“The reason for it is very, very simple,” Bisping said (transcribed by MMA Mania). “Steroids. I hate to be the guy that bangs on about it all the time, but that’s why guys who came over from Pride lost. Listen, I know that Pride – by the way this is third hand information – that they used to encourage taking steroids. They wanted them to look a certain way.

“They weren’t bothered, there was no drug testing and they wanted them to take steroids so it was more appealing to the Japanese audience. Of course when they come over to America they get drug tested so they don’t take those drugs.”

“I’m not saying it’s gospel, that Fedor was taking them,” Bisping added. “But, I’d say all signs point to that direction. Anytime he came over to America, he didn’t do well. Even Mirko Cro Cop was the same.”

It’s worth noting that Fedor is 40-years-old and fought just three times since 2012. Although Mitrione is just a couple years behind in age at 38, “Meathead” is known for his fight-ending power. 11 of his 12 wins were either by KO or TKO and was obviously the bigger opponent in the matchup.

What are your thoughts on Michael Bisping’s suggested reason for Fedor Emelianenko’s loss? Let’s discuss this in the comment section!

on 6/29/2017.