LAS VEGAS, Oct. 19 — Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures) has never fought in America. Yet judging by the excitement his appearance elicited Thursday at Caesars Palace's Roman Plaza, where the PRIDE heavyweight champion offered a 10-minute workout for fans and media, he's undoubtedly
the star of this weekend's "Real Deal" card at the
Thomas & Mack Center.
From the moment the Russian walked into view, fans chanted his first name. Perhaps a bit embarrassed by it all, Emelianekno simply waved, smiled, and mouthed "thank you" to what looked like 500-1,000 spectators.
After taking a moment to say a few words, both in
English and his native Russian, Emelianenko donned PRIDE's blue gloves and waltzed around the five-roped ring, dropping combinations to focus mitts while he moved.
The brief session concluded with a round of questions from excited fans - and more smiles from the man many consider the top fighter on the planet.
Mark Coleman (Pictures), who challenges Emelianenko in a
non-title bout Saturday, enjoyed his moment as well.
Like Wednesday when Kevin Randleman (Pictures) had his turn, the Hammer House fighters worked up a sweat hitting mitts when they weren't grappling.
