Fedor Emelianenko Returns To MMA With December 31 Fight

In 2011, on New Year’s Eve, Fedor thrilled the Tokyo crowd with a punishing first round KO over Satoshi Ishii.

Emelianenko was announced as one of the main event competitors for a New Year’s Eve card in Japan from former Pride boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara.

The name of the Russian fighter’s opponent is still being kept a secret.

“I think you need little bit to wait”, he said, laughing in response to a question about signing with Bellator from “Inside MMA” reporter Ron Kruck. “It will take place on December 31 in Japan”, Fedor Emelianenko, who has been nicknamed “The Last Emperor”, wrote in his Instagram account. “And I am ready”.

Rumors swirled that the greatest heavyweight in MMA history would finally fight under the premier promotion’s banner. The promotion has agreed to partner with Sakakibara, lending some of its roster to fill out the card.

Additionally, according to veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, Fedor’s deal is a two-fight deal, exclusively with Nobuyuki Sakikibara, who is also rumored to be courting MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba, as well as Kron Gracie.

Emelianenko, 38, was announced and came down to the Bellator cage for an interview with color commentator Jimmy Smith.

“In contrast to [the UFC]”, the 34-4 fighter told Breitbart Sports earlier this year, “I have known [Bellator President Scott] Coker for a long time, and he is an old friend”.

Seven months later, Coker invites him back to competition with pleasure.