Fedor defeats Chael Sonnen to advance to Bellator heavyweight title finals

Image: Bellator MMA

At 42 years old, Fedor Emelianenko showed he still has plenty of power and used it to defeat Chael Sonnen Saturday to advance to the Bellator heavyweight title Grand Prix finals against Ryan Bader.

Emelianenko beat Sonnen by first round TKO (4:46) in the main event of Bellator 209 Saturday at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. He’ll face light heavyweight champion Ryan Bader who advanced Friday with a dominant performance over Matt Mitrione at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

Emelianenko countered Sonnen’s attempts at takedowns for the most part, landing hard fists that immediately hurt Sonnen in addition to sambo throws. Sonnen did eventually gain the advantage on the ground, but Emelianenko was able to avoid any serious trouble.

The end came when Sonnen had Emelianenko’s back and was working for a rear naked choke. He rolled over the top and left himself prone to a punch by Emelianenko that led to Sonnen to cover up and take a dozen unanswered shots before the referee called it.

Bader and Emelianenko will meet in January for the vacant Bellator heavyweight title.