Fedor Emelianenko still open to UFC deal and rematch with Fabricio Werdum

Fedor Emelianenko and the UFC have never quite been able to get on the same page. But that doesn’t mean the Russian MMA legend has given up on the idea of fighting in the octagon before he walks away from the sport for good.

Emelianenko (35-4) built his legend with a championship run in PRIDE and a 27-fight winning streak that stretched into his time with Strikeforce. He returned from a June 2012 retirement to fight – and easily defeat – Jaideep Singh at Rizin Fighting Federation 1: Day 2.

Speaking with Epic MMA, Emelianenko said he remains receptive to a long-elusive deal with the UFC.

“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.”

Targeting UFC heavyweight champ Werdum (20-5-1 MMA, 8-2 UFC) makes sense on a number of levels for Emelianenko. On June 26, 2010, Werdum was the man who ended Emelianenko’s winning streak that began on April 6, 2001.

Targeting the UFC champion and the man who kicked off a three-fight losing skid for him is not about proving himself, however, according to Emelianenko.

“I have nothing to prove, but I want to fight the best of the best,” Emelianenko said. “And would like to fight UFC champion Fabricio Werdum.”

While his door is open to the world’s biggest MMA promotion, Emelianenko said he has plans for his next trip to the cage.

“My next fight will be in Russia,” Emelianenko said. “I can’t tell you all the details, but I will fight in Russia for my fans.”

Check out the full video above.

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