Fedor Emelianenko to Make Oct. 23 Bellator Return in Moscow, Opponent Unknown

One of the greatest heavyweights of all time is coming back to Bellator MMA this year.

The promotion announced on Thursday that a press conference for Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) would be taking place on Friday. During this brief announcement, where Emelianenko was joined by Bellator head Scott Coker and commentator John McCarthy, Bellator released the information that the legendary Russian would be appearing at a card on Oct. 23 in Moscow. This event will be staged in the VTB Arena in the capital city of Russia – a Bellator first – although there was no name mentioned for his next adversary. Emelianenko will serve as the headliner for this unnumbered Bellator event.

“The Last Emperor” has two bouts left on his Bellator contract, and his Moscow appearance will not likely be his final battle. The 44-year-old joined the company in 2017, where he faced Matt Mitrione and lost by knockout in 74 seconds. Each of the five Bellator appearances for Emelianenko have ended in the first round due to strikes, win or lose. Dating back to 2018, Emelianenko has lost just once, to Ryan Bader in the heavyweight tournament final, while putting Frank Mir, Chael Sonnen and Quinton Jackson away with punches.

The former Pride Fighting Championships heavyweight king never lost with that Japan-based promotion, competing under its banner 15 times before it folded in 2017. Along the way, he claimed the record for the highest winning percentage of any fighter to compete in the Pride ring. He is also one of just two fighters to ever defend his championship more than once, alongside Wanderlei Silva. His run from 2000, which began after losing by doctor stoppage from an illegal elbow from Tsuyoshi Kosaka, Emelianenko strung together a 28-fight win streak that many claim make him the greatest fighter of all time.