Emelianenko vs. Johnson MMA Odds and Betting Picks

MMA fans have waited nearly two years for the return of Fedor Emelianenko. That return takes place Saturday against Timothy Johnson, and we preview Emelianenko-Johnson with picks to win.

It's easy to forget how well "The Last Emperor" has performed during the latter stage of his career. Emelianenko (39-6) delivered an impressive 8-2 run across his previous 10 bouts. The last time we saw him compete was in 2019, where he produced a knockout win over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. 

Johnson (15-7) owns the underdog status, as the American will travel into hostile territory surrounded by thousands of screaming Russian fight fans in Moscow.

Here are my picks and predictions for Saturday's heavyweight Bellator 269 main event MMA contest between Fedor Emelianenko and Timothy Johnson (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook).

Emelianenko vs. Johnson Fight Info

Date/Time: Saturday, October 23, at 4 p.m ETTV: Showtime app & websiteLocation: CSKA Arena, Moscow, Russia

Emelianenko vs. Johnson Odds Analysis

Oddsmakers created an opening line that favored Johnson at -150, and it has drifted more heavily in his direction despite the G.O.A.T status of Emelianenko.

Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko Betting Profile 

Emelianenko put Russian MMA on the map long before his successors like Khabib Nurmagomedov arrived on the scene. 

Making his professional MMA debut in 2000 with one controversial loss that year, the heavyweight brute with fists of fire would remain undefeated for the next decade. Owning twenty-seven victories during his undefeated streak, Emelianenko would take out former UFC, Pride, and future K-1 champions, not forgetting two Olympic medallists.

The accolades achieved throughout his career have earned "The Last Emperor" a heavyweight mixed martial arts position that labels him as 'The Greatest of All Time'. 

With that said, can the 45-year-old knockout artist continue delivering the performances he once did?

Fedor's skillset is well-versed. He's a true mixed martial artist with dangerous offensive weapons in both the striking and grappling departments. As a Master of Sport in Judo, he also possesses a Sambo experience that complements his Judo prowess into an all-around threat in takedowns and ground positions. 

Timothy Johnson Betting Profile 

It could be argued that Johnson (15-7-0) is entering the fighting prime of his heavyweight career. Beginning his MMA tenure in 2010, the 36-year-old Minnesota native has garnered invaluable professional fight experience throughout multiple well-recognized promotions. 

Johnson signed to the UFC roster in 2014, but after a 4-3 record, he decided to join Bellator MMA. Following a rocky two-fight losing skid upon his Bellator debut, Johnson is now on a 3-1 winning streak from his previous four fights. 

Johnson is predominantly a stand-up fighter who enjoys mixing up his striking combinations behind a fight-ending amount of power. He isn't completely lost on the ground, but he'll dictate his game plan by utilizing his striking assets.

Fedor vs. Johnson Betting Picks

Tim Johnson to win (-182, FanDuel)Fight won't start Round 3 (-225, DraftKings)

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Fedor vs. Johnson Betting Predictions

Johnson to win (-182)

There's no denying Fedor has etched his name into the heavyweight MMA history books, but there's severe concern surrounding his durability. Both Ryan Bader and Matt Mitrione beat him by technical knockout within the opening two minutes, and his recent success has regularly been against grapplers or fighters of a similar age. 

Of course, Emelianenko’s skill set is much greater than Johnson’s, but there aren't many Bellator heavyweights who own the tools Fedor does – it boils down to the longevity he's now dealing with. 

Johnson could struggle if Emelianenko manages to ground this contest. Still, outside of this scenario, Johnson's speed, size, and power can easily disable the fighting pride of Russia. 

The odds continue to move in our favour; I'm happy to place my wager on Johnson and put faith in the younger, more durable heavyweight.

Fight won’t start Round 3 (-225)

As previously mentioned, Emelianenko’s longevity doesn't bode well. In addition, should "The Last Emperor" manage to defeat Johnson, he will accomplish this feat inside the distance. 

Envisioning this contest exceeding the twelve-minute mark doesn't work for me; somebody is going to sleep, and that creates a perfect position for Under 2.5 round bettors. 

Picks made 10/22/2021 at noon ET.