FEDOR, NATIONAL HERO

By Stash Capar

Not only is he the PRIDE heavyweight champion and arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today, he is also a national hero.

Earlier this month, Fedor Emelianenko (25-1-0) was awarded the “greatest victory of the year award” at the 2007 National Sports Premium, held in Moscow, Russia, reports the Russian Union of Martial Arts.

Emelianenko graciously accepted the award, which recognized his outstanding performances in both mixed martial arts and sambo. The decoration is considered the equivalent of an academy award for Russian athletes.

As if that wasn’t enough, on Feb. 5 the 30 year old was recognized yet again by the governor of St. Petersburg Valentina Matvienko, who presented the beloved mixed martial arts champion with a Certificate of Merit.

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