One of the biggest names in MMA, Fedor Emelianenko (36-4-0 1NC) is currently in talks with Bellator MMA about a possible Heavyweight bout against ex-UFC fighter Matt Mitrione (11-5) in early 2017.
First reported by Flocombat.com, “The Last Emperor” is reportedly close to finalising a deal with the Viacom owned promotion. He will become the biggest Heavyweight signing in the company’s history and although no date or venue has been confirmed, it is thought that the fight would be against recent signing Mitrione who has won both his bouts since jumping ship to Bellator from the UFC this year.
PRIDE FC legend Emelianenko was undefeated for 10 years from 2000-2010 and established a reputation as one of the most fearsome fighters in MMA and arguably one of the greatest of all time. After finally suffering his first loss in a decade at the hands of Fabricio Werdum in 2010, Emelianenko quickly dropped two more bouts to Antonio Silva and Dan Henderson and not long after decided to take a break from the sport.
After a three-year hiatus, the Russian returned to MMA in 2015 and has recorded two wins since although the latter of the two against Brazilian Fabio Maldonado was the subject of controversy when Maldonado’s manager submitted an appeal to the World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) for an investigation into the official result. This however was not reconsidered despite many believing that the fight should have been declared a draw.
A fight with an experienced veteran like Mitrione could be exactly what the 40-year-old Heavyweight needs to put the shine back on his legendary career. However after looking like a fading force, a fight against the hard-hitter will be a risk.
“Meathead”, who had a record of nine wins and five losses in the UFC, would also benefit from this match up as it would be the highest profile opponent of his career and would be a chance for the 38-year-old to take a truly memorable scalp.
