PHOENIX – For years, Fedor Ememlianenko was considered by many to be the greatest to ever do it inside an MMA cage.
But how about on the basketball court? You be the judge.
On Thursday, Emelianenko joined pupil and interim Bellator heavyweight champion Valentin Moldavsky for an open workout at Footprint Center, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns.
The mats covered part of the court, but both hoops were exposed. Emelianenko, Moldavsky, and fellow teammate Anatoly Tokov were passed some basketballs – and put up their best shots.
Known for his neutral expression and nonchalant personality, Emelianenko laughed and made facial expressions as he struggled to get the ball in the hoop. He even tried some backward shots – though, no success.
The shooting percentages are unlikely to earn any of the three fighters 10-day contracts from an NBA team, but the trio appeared to enjoy their time giving a foreign sport a try.
Bellator 273 takes place Saturday at Footprint Center. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie. The main event features Moldavsky in a title unification bout against undisputed champion Ryan Bader.
