Fedor Emelianenko's distinguished 23-year career came to an end 

 when Ryan Bader retained his heavyweight title with a first-round stoppage at Bellator 290 in Inglewood, California.

Bader, 39, of the United States, dropped Russia's Emelianeko, 46, with a right hand before finishing the match with ground and pound.

Many consider Emelianeko to be the greatest heavyweight of all time.

He is a former champion who has 40 wins from 48 fights.

Following his defeat, he was joined in the cage by a slew of former opponents and MMA legends, 

including Randy Couture, Mark Coleman, and Dan Henderson, before laying down his gloves.

"On one hand, I'm disappointed that I didn't deliver as well as I wanted to in the fight, 

but on the other hand, I'm glad the crowd here is cheering for me, 

and all these legendary fighters who I've walked the path with are here to support me," Emelianenko said.