Ivanov apparently used the experience to formulate a winning game plan for their second encounter. Emelianenko was dominated from the outset and was in danger of losing 8-1 until the Russian scored a knockdown in the final minute of competition to add four points to his total.
In the end the deficit was too great to overcome and the former PRIDE heavyweight champion had to settle for a bronze medal, his first since the year 2000.
Emelianenko made no excuses for the loss, admitting that Ivanov beat him “Fair and square”,
Ivanov went on to win the gold medal after easily dispatching Germany’s Stefan Janos in the 100+ kg weight class.
Reports have emerged that Ivanov was signed by Affliction immediately after winning the tournament.
