(George Galanis is an MMA fan and regular BPL contributor.) 

The long and historic career of Russian heavyweight star Fedor Emelianenko has been filled with moments where he has fought back from the brink of defeat, only to vanquish a bigger foe. But every great athlete runs out of comebacks and, for the second fight in a row, Emelianenko could not find the magic that has been the hallmark of his legendary career.

Emelianenko took a vicious beating in the second round of his Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix opening round fight against Antonio Silva, and though he managed to survive the beating, it may have been the last round of his career.

In between rounds, the fight was stopped due to swelling around his right eye that impaired his vision, and after dropping his second straight fight, Emelianenko admitted he might have fought for the last time.

"Yes, maybe it's the last time," the 34-year-old said moments after the fight. "Maybe it's high time. Thank God for everything. I spent a great, beautiful long sporting life. Maybe it's God's will."

If it is the end, Emelianenko (32-3, 1 no contest) will retire as the most decorated heavyweight of all time.

Some, however, seem to think that calling it the end is a little premature.

Both Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker and M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelstein said they believe Emelianenko would reconsider his words after he had time to get over the loss. Emelianenko didn't attend the post-fight press conference in order to visit the hospital for a possible orbital bone fracture.

"The decision is up to Fedor but I think I know him quite well, and he's full of strength," Finkelstein said. "He will continue, but the decision is up to him. I will encourage him. He still has a lot to show his fans, and he will show them."

"As far as retirement, he talked about it, but you know how that goes," Coker said. "People get very emotional during the fight. We'll see."

Emelianenko got off to a good start in the first round against the massive Brazilian who outweighed him by around 55 pounds. Emelianenko landed power strikes early and seemed to get the better of the exchanges, though Silva did land a few hard shots of his own.

However, the second round was as one-sided as it gets. Silva ducked under an Emelianenko overhand right and took him down seconds into the round, and kept him there for the duration.

Silva eventually moved into full mount and found his target repeatedly, landing 47 ground strikes while Emelianenko struggled to get out from beneath him. He never did. Silva kept the position the entire round, and Emelianenko only threatened in the final seconds with a leg lock.

By then, it was too late, as Emelianenko returned to his corner with an eye that was completely shut. The doctors said he was unable to see, and the fight was stopped.

Silva will go on to face the winner of an April 9 quarterfinal round bout between Alistair Overeem and Fabricio Werdum.