Report: Fedor Emelianenko in talks with UFC, wants to face ‘strongest fighters in the world’
Last month MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko made his intentions clear that he was resuming full-time training in the hopes of making a return to active competition.
“The Last Emperor” is widely considered the greatest fighter to never fight in the UFC. The Russian retired in 2012 with a stellar record of 34-4-(1).
Now, after years away from the sport he loves, Emelianenko admitted at a local youth forum Q and A that he is, in fact, in talks with the Las Vegas-based promotion.
“This is being negotiated, in particular with the UFC,” Emelianenko said, “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.
Emelianenko’s first loss in ten years came at a Strikeforce event in 2010 to current UFC heavyweight champ, Fabricio Werdum. Now, at 38, the Russian legend is set for a historic return and has redemption on his mind.
“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.
“So now I’ll regain my shape after returning from “Mashuk” [youth forum] and will then begin a scheduled training camp.”
The native of Stary Oskol ran off 27 straight wins before submitting to Werdum on that summer night five years ago. Many thought Fedor lost his passion for the sport by the time he was conquered.
With a return to MMA (and a long-awaited UFC debut) a real possibility, it definitely seems like the Russian has rekindled his love for fighting.
“The desire to fight in my blood,” he said. “I’m in the sport for 11 years – my whole life is training and competition. Over the years, there has been a thirst not only to participate in battles, but also to transfer their knowledge and skills. After consulting with trainers, with the support of the family, I decided to return.”
(H/T to Bloody Elbow’s Karim Zidan for the translation)
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Ryan McKinnell is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports Cagewriter blog. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
