Fedor Emelianenko is once again kicking up discussion about fighting in the UFC, and in a new interview with Epic MMA he said that he’s told the UFC of at least one fight he’d sign on for.
“I have been asked about the UFC a lot,” Emelianenko said. “Our doors are open and we are talking about it. Maybe it will happen in the future.
“I would like to have a rematch against Fabricio Werdum. I’ve told the UFC many times that I want and would accept that fight.”
Emelianenko’s ten year unbeaten run in the sport came to an end at the hands of Werdum in Strikeforce, and Werdum now sits as the UFC Heavyweight Champion. “The Last Emperor” returned to the cage on New Year’s eve after three and a half years out of action, defeating Jaideep Singh as part of Rizin Fighting Federation’s launch event. He says his next bout will take place in Russia, though no official announcements have been made regarding an opponent, date, event, or location.
Penick’s Analysis: I don’t think the UFC would bring him in for an immediate title fight, but stranger things have happened. The heavyweight division is the one remaining in the sport where longtime veterans continue to reign supreme, as there hasn’t been any type of youth surge to the top as we’ve seen almost everywhere else. Emelianenko could be booked for a major fight like that if the UFC can come to terms with him, but they’re not likely to be inclined to give him what he wants given past negotiating experiences between the two parties.
(h/t: BloodyElbow.com)
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