Russian superstar Fedor Emelianenko makes his American comeback on Saturday night, in San Jose, Calif. at the SAP Center against Matt Mitrione for Bellator 172.

Talking about his return, Emelianenko’s former manager, the owner and President of Russian promotion M-1 Global, Vadim Finkelstein admitted he was surprised with “The Last Emperor’s” comeback to MMA.

“I was really surprised. We offered a serious [deal] and he says is retired. I’ve tried to convince him to take a fight too,” Vadim revealed to Russia media RT Sport. “But he says was retired. He has a serious opponent in a good bout in my opinion, it’s a good move to Bellator.

“I think he missed fighting. He is a natural born fighter. He’s back doing the thing that he likes so much. And he’s had a good rest because this is hard and take a lot of blood, but that is my opinion.” 

Fedor’s negotiations with UFC, relationship with Donald Trump

Finkelstein managed “The Last Emperor’s” for a large portion of hicareer and he was present in one of the UFC’s negotiations with Emelianenko. The M-1 owner gave details and his opinion on why the proclaimed greatest of all time never signed with Dana White.

“He has a new team and I don’t hear anything about him anymore. I don’t represent Fedor anymore. It’s up to him now. We were one step away to sign with UFC, but they did not work out.”

In a throwback to the Russian’s appearance in Affliction in 2009, Vadim revealed the current President of the United States, Donald Trump was reportedly a big fan and supporter of Emelianenko.

“He says nice words of us as well. We have a vídeo in our Youtube channel and he says MMA is a fastest developing sport and has a great future. I’m not fluent in English but he was positive and cheering for Fedor.

“He was really happy about Fedor’s performance against Andrei Arlovski. But he is in Fedor’s corner and his reaction of knockout was really pumped, congratulate Fedor for the victory. He always cheered for Fedor and had a peaceful business with us,” ended Vadim.