Nicknamed “The Last Emperor”, Fedor Emelianenko is one of the most decorated and well-rounded MMA fighters in the world.

Sporting an almost perfect MMA record of 31-1, his only loss was early in his career and only due to a doctor stoppage because of a cut he suffered during the fight.

Arguably the greatest heavyweight to walk the MMA planet, Fedor’s resume reads a who’s who of Mixed Martial Arts including wins over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia, Mark Hunt, Mark Coleman, Mirko Cro-Cop, Heath Herring, Semmy Schilt, Gary Goodridge, Hong Man Choi, Matt Lindland, Kevin Randleman and most recently Brett Rogers. So in simple terms... Fedor, is still KING!

At this point what more can I say about this man that hasn't been already said by millions. Fedor pushes the envelope and still remains to be in harmony with his talent. This talent is a gift which is rare and many fighters only wish they had. Granted, such fighters as Anderson Silva, GSP and BJ Penn have also set a very high standard of a truly complete/fully elite fighter, but Fedor still remains a monolith among the all time fighters.

When he made his public announcement that he had joined forces with Strikeforce and not the UFC, the MMA world seemed confused as to why Fedor would choose a smaller company (Strikeforce) versus reigning super power (UFC). Clearly, the UFC is stacked with plenty of fighters for Fedor to face in the heavy weight division. Maybe the MMA world will never see the day Fedor puts on the UFC gloves. But, until that day comes along, all we can do is talk about what might happen.

Having spoken with Fedor, through all the fame and fan response, the man still remains humble and aware that he is simply human. He is aware that on any day he can lose a fight just as easily as the next man. I think the persona and presence which he brings to the sport is what catches the attention of the fans. We all connect with Fedor because he fights the fight and still points out his flaws and remains humble.

Humility is where I think many others fail. In this interview we touch upon a couple of points about his most recent fight against Brett Rogers and his possible next bout with Fabricio Werdum.

Tony: Wow! Fedor, congratulations on your impressive KO performance over Rogers?
Fedor: Thanks!

Tony: As your fight began your approach appeared to be calm and very patient.
Fedor: Well, I always try to find weak spots in a fighter’s game, and I am not the type of fighter that rushes in.

Tony: Is that something you think fighters tend to overlook? Rather then studying their opponent, many fighters tend to go 'all out' in the first round.
Fedor: I think that the "all out" tactic works for some fighters, but not for me. I like to get a feel for the fighter first. I like to assess weakness and then attempt to take advantage of what I see.

Tony: After the fight Rogers stated 'he would put you out, the next time around.' That is assuming you two were to fight again... but Fedor, do you feel this chapter is closed with Rogers? Do you believe it is time to move on to the next opponent?
Fedor: Everyone is accountable for what they say. If they offer me a re-match, I will fight him again. But I don't believe that I have to again prove myself against Rogers.

Tony: As the fight began, what did you like about Rogers in the first round?
Fedor: He was strong and aggressive, he had a good start.

Tony: In the final analysis, did you like how Strikeforce and M1 global put together the event?
Fedor: Yes, I think the whole event was great, from the press conference until fight night.

Tony: Did you do anything different in preparing for Rogers?
Fedor: No. There is no special preparation plan. I’m in the same kind of camp now as I always am. A lot of attention is being paid to wrestling and boxing.

Tony: The public and sports writers consider you the emperor/King of the sport. Do you put any focus/attention to these thoughts, Fedor?
Fedor: Being considered king of the sport is not something I search for. I am honored, however, that people see me that way. But, I'd rather have them see me as a good person.

Tony: Though it might be too early to call your next fight, do you think a match with Fabricio Werdum might be an interesting battle for you?
Fedor: I am not sure. But I think Fabricio put on a great fight. He is a very nice guy and he really improved his game.

Tony: After this great victory over Rogers, do you plan on taking some time off? Or, is it back in the gym for you, Fedor?
Fedor: Well, I have some time off. I will still train, but on a lower level. I will go to the M-1 Challenge finals and then I'll go on a holiday. When I come back my training regime will start at a higher level and a stronger pace.

Tony: Are there any signs of retirement? Someone such as yourself, who has had huge success in MMA, what else is there to prove in the ring/cage?
Fedor: No, at this moment I don’t think about retiring from the sport.

Tony: Since you've moved away from the UFC and joined up with Strikforce, do you think the fan's response has been, positive or negative?
Fedor: I hope the real fans will understand that beside their subjective wishes I have my own opinion. My and our team’s interests didn’t match what UFC was willing to offer. That’s why we couldn’t come to an agreement. I would definitely go there if the conditions were right. I trust Vadim (Finkelstein) who is my friend and a good manager. We met with the Strikeforce representatives. During the negotiations I got a very positive feeling. They are nice, decent people that behave respectfully. I can state I like working with them. We have great dialogue.

Tony: Well congratulations again on your huge win, Fedor, and thank you for taking the time with me again for this brief interview.
Fedor: Thanks, no problem Tony.

Tony: Is there anyone you'd like to thank before you head out?
Fedor: First of all I would like to thank God, my family and my trainers. Furthermore I would like to thank the people who made the last show possible, including M-1, Strikeforce, CBS and everyone else involved.