Report: Fedor Emelianenko to Compete in November Combat Sambo Tournament

According to Tass.ru, Fedor Emelianenko will return to his combat sambo roots and compete in a tournament on Nov. 25.

The Russian outlet’s report was translated by Bloody Elbow’s Karim Zidan.

The former Pride Fighting Championships’ heavyweight kingpin has a history in the sport, which is much like mixed martial arts: competitors strike and kick with few limitations and grapple. Headgear and gloves are worn to protect the participants. Bellator MMA veteran and World Series of Fighting heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov famously defeated Emelianenko in a combat sambo match when many felt the “Last Emperor” was in his prime.

The 39-year-old Emelianenko will reunite with former Pride boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara for a Dec. 31 event in Japan. Fedor’s opponent has yet to be confirmed, but it’s been widely circulated that Jaideep Singh will be tabbed as his foe.