Scott Coker: Fedor Emelianenko chose Tim Johnson, wanted top-ranked opponent over 'legend' fight

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – When Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Johnson was announced, the news of the booking was met with a harsh reception.

According to Bellator president Scott Coker, the Oct. 23 main event booked for Moscow, was paired at the choosing of Emelianenko (39-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) himself. Free agents ranging from Junior Dos Santos, Tito Ortiz, to Jake Hager were on the table, but Emelianenko wasn’t interested in a fight booked on name recognition alone.

Emelianenko wanted someone at the top of the Bellator rankings – and Johnson’s name was on the tip of his tongue. In June, Johnson (15-7 MMA, 3-3 BMMA) lost a decision to Emelianenko’s underling Valentin Moldavsky – a fight Emelianenko coached his fighter in.

“We started taking these names and Fedor was really thinking about it,” Coker told MMA Junkie on Thursday. “When he came here for the Moldavsky fight, he said to me, ‘If Moldavsky loses, I want to fight Tim Johnson.’ In his mind, I think he already had a focus on somebody that’s ranked – somebody that’s relevant in today’s fighting. Maybe he could’ve got that shot against (Ryan) Bader in that sense, right? He wanted to fight Tim Johnson if he won, but he lost. I think in his mind, he had this fight in his mind.

“He went home and thought about it. We gave him all the names and it was really up to him. To me, he deserves to be able to choose who he wants to be able to fight in his last couple of fights. He’s going to retire after he fights this fight and then he’s got one more and he’s going to retire. To me, he’s the greatest heavyweight of all time. He’s accomplished so much (and) done so much for the sport.”

While Johnson doesn’t have the all-time status of an Alistair Overeem or Josh Barnett, the Bellator president thinks he’s a very game opponent. With a win over Johnson, Emelianenko could slide himself into position to rematch heavyweight champion Ryan Bader, or whoever holds the title at that time.

“I give him a lot of credit,” Coker said. “Tim Johnson is no joke. He beat Cheick Kongo. He knocked out Tyrell Fortune. (He went) five round with (Valentin) Moldavsky, who is a tough, tough guy. Now, he’s got to go fight Fedor. Fedor didn’t pick the easiest opponent. He could’ve picked somebody much easier – guys that are on losing streaks – or had a legit fight.

“I would’ve loved it because you get to see names, but Fedor wants to fight somebody in that top (tier). I think he still wants to fight for the belt and fight Bader again. That’s really what his goal is. We haven’t had that conversation. I just said, ‘OK, you want to fight Tim Johnson? We’ll have you fight Tim Johnson.’ Then, we’ll take it from there.”

Emelianenko, 44, has not competed since a quick December 2019 win over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson via punches. He’s 3-1 in his most recent four outings, with the lone loss coming by a 35-second knockout against Bader.

Meanwhile, Johnson competed against Moldavsky for the interim heavyweight title at Bellator 261 in June. The defeat snapped a three-fight winning streak for the former UFC fighter.

Bellator Moscow will take place at VTB Arena. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.