Joe Ferraro

Fedor Emelianenko.

Showdown gives his thoughts on fighters’ unions and Fedor Emelianenko running for political office.

Mainstream MMA fans often wonder if, and sometimes when, they will see Fedor Emelianenko in the UFC. It now looks as if that may never come to fruition as reports are surfacing that Fedor will be running for political office in Russia, and likely retire once the final two fights on his Strikeforce contract come to an end.

While we may never see “The Last Emperor” vs. the likes of Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin or other top heavyweights, we will see him face off against Fabricio Werdum on June 26, with his final bout likely a title fight vs. current Strikeforce heavyweight champion, Alistair Overeem.

During last night's edition of The Showdown, Tyler “The Intern” and I briefly discussed a fighters' union and whether or not it will one day become a reality. Fan 590 listeners were brought up to speed on our thoughts, most of which were centred on the fact that unless big-name fighters can convince the vast majority of other level fighters to stand up to their employers, don't expect a union to materialize anytime soon.

We also briefly discussed UFC president Dana White’s recent comments regarding rankings, and were then joined by MMA Expo founder Gerald Chopik. For more info on the MMA Expo going down next weekend at the Toronto International Centre, click here.

Speaking of fighters' unions, during last weekend’s UFC Fan Expo in Las Vegas, UFC majority owner Lorenzo Fertitta gave his thoughts regarding the issue. Matt Lindland also gives his thoughts on this issue, to balance out the argument.

Over the years, many male Olympians have transitioned to MMA, but it was just a matter of time before we started seeing female competitors of Olympic calibre make their way into a ring or cage near you. Here is a link to a story and video of judo bronze medalist Ronda Rousey, as well as a discussion about Sara McMann, a freestyle silver medalist prepping for her MMA debut.

In closing, the postponed bout between welterweights Paul Kelly and Jacob Volkmann is beginning to heat up in the trash talking department. Due to visa issues, Kelly is unable to make it to their UFC 116 date on July 3, so the bout has been moved to UFC Live II, on August 1. But, Volkmann apparently had some disparaging remarks, to which Kelly responded with a warning that “Christmas” is in for a minimum of “30 stitches.” There's more, and you can check it out here