F. Emelianenko (photo) will debut in Bellator in 2017. Photo: Strikeforce/DisclosureBell
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A possible agreement for Fedor Emelianenko with the UFC, however, the Russian surprised by signing a contract with Bellator. With a fight scheduled against Matt Mitrione at Bellator 172, February 18, in San Jose, Fedor explained why he didn't want to sign with the biggest MMA organization in the world. According to him, the proposal offered did not seduce him, in addition to having already worked with Scott Coker, current president of his new house.
“Yes, there was that option (to fight in Ultimate). I was offered a UFC contract, but I didn't like it. We had disagreements regarding the issues surrounding the promotion. (…) We had negotiated with several organizations, but we chose Bellator, even the head of the organization, Scott Coker – an honest man, we already have experience with him. We were interested in his proposal”, explained Emelianenko to the Russian website 'Lenta.ru'.
Emelianenko dominated the heavyweight division over the past decade, including a long reign in the now-defunct PRIDE. In the Japanese event, she beat names like Rodrigo Minotauro, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Coleman, Mark Hunt, between others. Afterwards, he performed in attractions such as Affliction and Strikeforce, where he defeated former UFC champions Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski. The Russian retired in 2012, but returned to active duty last year. Since then, he has had two fights: he beat Jaideep Singh at Rizin and obtained a controversial victory against Fabio Maldonado in Russia.
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