Fedor Emelianenko Set for Possible June Return, Says M-1 Global

Mixed martial arts promotion M-1 Global is shooting for a possible June return to combative competition for its most lucrative asset, Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko.

M-1's Global director of operations Evgeni Kogan told MMAFighting:

“We're working towards securing a Fedor fight in Monaco for the summer, sometime around the time when Formula One happens," he said. "Specifically, a little while afterwards.”

Prior to signing for the San Jose-based promotion Strikeforce, the former PRIDE heavyweight champion was riding a 26-fight undefeated streak spanning nigh on nine years, and was thus widely regarded as one the greatest MMA practitioners of his era.

In his debut for the company, the 35-year-old starched Brett Rogers in two rounds. However, the Russian’s next three outings ended in disaster—he suffered a submission loss to Fabricio Werdum, a TKO defeat to Antonio Silva and was knocked out by Dan Henderson in his final bout for the organization.

In November 2011, Fedor (34-4-1 NC) began his road to redemption under the M-1 Global banner with a unanimous-decision win over Jeff Monson, and he made it two wins in row when he KO’ed Japanese judoka, Satoshi Ishii on New Year’s Eve, at Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011.

At present, neither an opponent nor date has yet to be confirmed for the once-indomitable Fedor, but the likelihood is that M-1 Global will disclose that information sometime in March.

“The search for the opponent is currently in process with a number of worthy candidates being considered,” Kogan said.

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