Fedor Emelianenko Confirms Negotiations With UFC Are Underway
Former Pride FC heavyweight champion and MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko recently shocked the MMA world when he unveiled plans to return to fighting after three years away from the cage, and shortly thereafter, his longtime manager Vadim Finkelchtein took things to an even more unexpected level by stating that there was a ‘good chance’ Fedor would sign with the UFC after years of discord between the two sides.
Although the prospect of Emelianenko fighting in the UFC has been repeatedly discussed, speculative plans of him fighting former UFC champ Brock Lesnar in Dallas Cowboys Stadium fell apart when White and M-1 Global could not come to an agreement.
However, it appears that may all be coming to an end, as ‘The Last Emperor’ himself spoke up during a recent Q&A session at a youth forum in his native Russia (via Bloody Elbow) to reveal that he is indeed negotiating with the UFC after hinting he would like a rematch with his old rival, current UFC heavyweight kingpin Fabricio Werdum:
“Now this is being negotiated, in particular with the UFC, as well as some other promotions. I think it will soon be finally determined. As for the opponent, I would say that desire must comply opportunities. I would like to face the strongest fighters in the world – UFC champion Fabricio Werdum. Given that over three years, I did not fight during the first fight I would like to get involved, check for myself.”
The all-time great went on to say that after he returned home from the youth forum where he continued to spread his knowledge of martial arts, he would begin training to get into shape for his comeback bout:
“So now I’ll regain my shape after returning from “Mashuk” [youth forum] and will then begin a scheduled training camp.”
So it appears that the stage is set for ‘The Last Emperor’ to make an unexpected return to MMA, and this time it could be in the UFC. Do you think the 38-year-old would have a solid chance against ‘Vai Cavalo’ at this point in his career?
