Combatpress: Fedor Emelianenko Signs with the UFC; might fight Hunt at UFC 193 co-main

http://combatpress.com/2015/09/fedor-emelianenko-signs-with-the-ufc/


"“The Last Emperor” has finally found his new home.

Sources close to the situation have told Combat Press that Fedor Emelianenko has officially signed with the UFC, with an official announcement set to be made in the coming weeks. According to the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Emelianenko is currently looking at options for his Octagon debut.

Although nothing has been confirmed as yet, a separate source indicated that there is a chance that Emelianenko will debut at UFC 193 in the co-main event for Melbourne’s first UFC visit. Although former K-1 champion Mark Hunt is already slated to compete in a rematch against Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, “The Super Samoan” previously offered to welcome Emelianenko to the Octagon, and would be the likely opponent for Emelianenko if he fights in Melbourne. The event is headlined by a women’s bantamweight title bout between Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm. The event, which takes place from Etihad Stadium, is expected to break the company’s attendance records with ease.

Emelianenko last fought in 2012 when he defeated Pedro Rizzo in the first round. He later announced his retirement following that bout. The legendary heavyweight was widely considered to be the best fighter in the world during his prime in the Japanese-based Pride organization. The Russian fighter claimed Pride’s heavyweight title in 2003 with a win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and never relinquished the belt, defeating the likes of Nogueira, Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman and the aforementioned Hunt along the way. He continued his impressive run in Affliction, where he topped former UFC heavyweight champions Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski. Emelianenko’s aura of invincibility came to an end under the Strikeforce banner, where he went on a three-fight skid with losses to current UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, the aforementioned Bigfoot and Dan Henderson. The sambo specialist ended his career on a high note by compiling a three-fight winning streak that included knockouts of Satoshi Ishii and Rizzo."

Finally, the Last Emperor has come to the UFC!  This calls for some patriotic music...

No sources that can be named, eh?  As much as I believe the rumors that are swirling that his signing is imminent, not sure why we should take these guys' word for it that the deal is done.

I've been passed the point of caring since the Bigfoot fight....maybe even the Brett Rogers fight.

This article is likely educated guesswork based on all the rumors and Bellator's recent admission that they have no desire to re-sign Fedor. 

Either way, I expect him to sign. 

Neil Rooke broke these news. He also has broken the news of Kimbo to Bellator first, so It's a credible source. We' ll have to wait and see. I kinda like the matchup

FAKE!!

UPDATE: Finkelchtein: Fedor Emelianenko yet to sign with any promotion
http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/9/1/9240483/finkelchtein-fedor-emelianenko-yet-to-sign-with-any-promotion
"Combat Press reported Tuesday that Emelianenko has officially signed with the UFC, however, Finkelchtein, who said a deal with the UFC is still "possible," said that report was premature. While not officially his manager, Finkelchtein said he is currently helping Emelianenko field offers from various promotions."

* Edited at 09.01.2015, 3:18 PM ET *

Too bad this didn't happen 10 yrs ago. Couldn't care less at this point if he does really sign. 

* Edited at 09.01.2015, 3:47 PM ET *

A year ago I may not have cared, but given the sorta-resurgence the aging HW division has had in 2015, Fedor fits in perfectly. 

I'm genuinely interested in the current paths of Arlovski, Mir, Werdum, Velasquez, Miocic, etc. Then you've got Hunt, Overeem and Rothwell. 

Not bad. And youth is not a factor in the division. 

I think he has indeed signed, but the UFC wants to announce it in their own terms

Saturday would be a good time to announce.

FrontRowBrian® ‏@FrontRowBrian  29m29 minutes ago

Fight Nights on UFC Fight Pass. Has to have something to do with Fedor. Has anyone confirmed Vadim is even doing Fedor's deals? I wonder.

I wouldn't be that interested in Fedor's return (I hated to see him lose), but seeing Arlovski, Mir, etc having a career resurgence gives me hope.  

I truly believe we'll have a big announcement at UFC 191. This time really big, not that CM Punk crap.

As part of the deal, Vadim Finkelstein is now president of the UFC, and the promotion will be renamed UFC/M-1 Global

I hope for Fedor's sake the rumors are false. I don't know if he can hang with this technique. 

he invented that technique

Is it final then?

Fedor not a fan of women's mma is the co main to Ronda is hilarious 

It's not final. No one reputable has confirmed the news, but multiple reputable people have denied it. Also, even if Fedor has signed, I find it hard to believe they have him debut in Australia.