Monson Confirms November M-1 Date with Emelianenko

Jeff Monson looks like the next foe for Fedor Emelianenko come November in Russia. | Photo: Stephen Martinez

Little is known about the event save for the expected headliner between Emelianenko and Monson, but it was confirmed last month that Emelianenko would return to competition later this year following his exit from Strikeforce in August.

A 13-year pro, Monson had announced plans earlier this year to make a run at light heavyweight, but those intentions appear to have taken a back seat to big-fight opportunities.

Riding an eight-fight winning streak, the former UFC title challenger stepped in on short notice to replace Shane del Rosario against Daniel Cormier on June 18, losing his Strikeforce debut by unanimous decision.

Looking toward the future, the 40-year-old could have quite a busy fall planned, as prior to his Nov. 12 showdown with Emelianenko, Monson is rumored to fight twice in October against Maro Perak and Gabriel Gonzaga, respectively.

Long considered to be the sport's premier heavyweight, Emelianenko has fallen on hard times as of late, dropping three-straight bouts prior to his Strikeforce release last month. Emelianenko, 34, competed for nine years without a loss before submitting to a Fabricio Werdum triangle choke in June 2010.

“The Last Emperor” was then bounced from the promotion's heavyweight grand prix by Antonio Silva in the quarterfinals this past February before being knocked out by Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson on July 30.