Fedor Emelianenko in July announced his intent to return to mixed martial arts competition, but left everyone in the dark as to what promotion he would fight for.
Most considered the UFC or Bellator – or even his own M-1 Global – as the frontrunners for his services. There were even a couple reports that had him already inked into a deal with the UFC.
At the end of the day, however, Fedor decided to return to his old stomping grounds, with his old boss, in Japan.
RELATED > Fedor Emelianenko Returns to MMA on New Year’s Eve in Japan
During the recent Bellator Dynamite 1 broadcast on Spike TV, Fedor finally lifted the curtain on his return, revealing that he would fight for former Pride FC boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara on New Year’s Eve. No opponent was announced.
Once again sidestepping the UFC, Fedor apparently had a stack of reasons for choosing to go back to Japan. That stack is rumored to be $2.5 million high.
According to veteran reporter Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer:
Japanese news sources have reported the show being held at the Saitama Super Arena, which makes sense. They’ve also reported that Emelianenko will earn $2.5 million guaranteed for the show, which tells you why he didn’t sign the UFC, since it’s guaranteed and most likely he’ll face a lesser opponent than he would in UFC. UFC had been negotiating with him and it did seem they were close. UFC sources said they were under the impression Emelianenko signed a two-fight deal with Sakakibara’s group. It is believed the show is being financed by an oil-rich foreign investor who already has a stake in the MMA business. Whether he’s agreed to invest for one show, or a regular promotion, is unknown.
