Two true legends of mixed martial arts and some of the most respected and famous fighters in the world came together in the main battle of the evening at the grandiose M-1 Global tournament, which was held on June 21, 2012 in St. Petersburg with the crowded stands of the Ice Sports Palace.
The permanent Pride heavyweight champion, the best fighter in the world regardless of the weight category for many years, Fedor Emelianenko took part in the tournament under the auspices of M-1 Global for the second time. He approached this fight with two victories in a row over two world-class wrestlers - ADCC champion Jeff Monson and Olympic judo champion Satoshi Ishii.Now Fedor had to meet with a man who was the personification of the percussion style.
Pedro Hizzo, nicknamed the Rock, started his career back in 1996 and has since fought in the strongest promotions in the world, including the UFC and Pride, with the most legendary fighters from different eras. He was distinguished by crushing striking technique - most of his victories were won by knockouts or technical knockouts. Never in his career has Khizzo been caught in a painful or choke hold. And his record in kickboxing was 31 victories in 33 fights, 30 of which he won by knockout! For the fight with Fedor, Pedro had a streak of three victories in a row, alternately defeating Jeff Monson, Harry Goodridge and Ken Shamrock.
The Last Emperor against the Rock was the loudest event in Russian mixed martial arts in 2012. And today we will remember this legendary battle.