MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko hospitalized due to COVID-19

"I'm getting better," the 44-year-old wrote, per Ariel Helwani of ESPN. "Thankful to the doctors and medical staff for caring and hard work."

Helwani added that sources have confirmed Emelianenko remained hospitalized as of Thursday afternoon. 

Born in Russia, Emelianenko rose to fame competing in the now-defunct Pride Fighting Championships, where he won the heavyweight title. To this day, many analysts and fans view Emelianenko as the greatest heavyweight in MMA history and the sport's best pound-for-pound competitor. 

Emelianenko hasn't fought since he knocked Quinton Jackson out in the first round at Bellator 237 in December 2019. He hasn't officially retired yet, though, and it's been rumored that he could return to Bellator for a farewell bout or two.