The Last Emperor is back.
As announced during the Bellator 165 broadcast, Russian legend Fedor Emelianenko has signed a multi fight deal with the promotion, and will make his debut against Matt Mitrione on February 18 in San Jose as the Bellator 172 main event.
THE EMPEROR HAS ARRIVED! #Bellator172: Fedor vs @mattmitrione | FEB 18 live & free on @spike 9/8c pic.twitter.com/lSlMuwE48x
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 20, 2016
It will be the first time since 2011 that Fedor has fought on U.S. soil, and his first since a disappointing showing against Fabio Maldonado back in June. While there had been speculation (as per) that Emelianenko could be making a move to the UFC, it seems his long relationship with Bellator President Scott Coker won the day once again.
Although specifics of Fedor’s deal are unknown, the fact it contains a number of bouts clearly shows that the heavyweight has no intention to return to the retirement he left last year.
