Fedor Emelianenko Beat Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s Student in Rare Footage
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Rare footage shows Fedor Emelianenko shaking hands with Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov after defeating his student Akhmedshaikh Gelegaev in 2012.
Finally, rare footage of Fedor Emelianenko sharing a memorable moment with Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov has resurfaced on the internet. The clip offers audiences a rare insight into the legendary coach's students whom he defeated in 2012.
One of the fighters, Akhmedshaikh Gelegaev, had the chance to face the Russian Combat Sambo champion Fedor Emelianenko. After the bout, "The Last Emperor," Emelianenko and Nurmagomedov were seen shaking hands, offering a rare glimpse of two influential figures from Russian combat sports history together.
The footage captures “The Last Emperor” competing at the Russian Combat Sambo Championship, where he faced Akhmedshaikh Gelegaev. After the bout, Fedor and Abdulmanap were seen shaking hands, offering a rare glimpse of two influential figures from Russian combat sports history together.
WHEN FEDOR EMELIANENKO BEAT ABDULMANAP'S STUDENT
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 29, 2026
Two MMA legends. One incredible moment.
Fedor Emelianenko shakes hands with Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov after defeating his student, Akhmedshaikh Gelegaev, at the Russian Combat Sambo Championship in 2012.
Gelegaev went on to record… pic.twitter.com/f6bXw6lcNu
Fedor Emelianenko Faces Abdulmanap's Student
Gelegaev was one of Abdulmanap's students, the legendary coach who helped numerous elite athletes train and gain success. He also trained his son, Khabib Nurmagomedov, turning him into an undefeated UFC champion with a 29-0 professional record and a dominant lightweight title reign.
Ultimately, Fedor got his hand raised against Gelegaev, adding yet another memorable chapter to his already decorated combat sambo career.
The footage was recently shared by Red Corner MMA on X with the caption:
"WHEN FEDOR EMELIANENKO BEAT ABDULMANAP'S STUDENT"
The post continued:
"Two MMA legends. One incredible moment."
Right after the bout, Fedor and Abdulmanap shared a handshake, creating an unforgettable moment that gained renewed attention years later.
A Glimpse Into Russian MMA History
Gelegaev went on to continue a solid MMA career, eventually finishing with a 6-1 professional record. Meanwhile, Fedor remained a recognizable name in the world of heavyweight MMA, winning titles from organizations like Bellator, Strikeforce, and PRIDE.
But the real significance of this footage lies in the fact that Fedor and Abdulmanap represented two different sides of the same Russian combat sports culture, both of which played influential roles in the development of fighters who later went on to compete at the highest level.
For fans, the footage provides a valuable look back at the sport's history- with two of Russian combat sports' legendary figures crossing paths in a most unusual setting.
