Watch Return of the Last Emperor ahead of Fedor Emelianenko's New Year's Eve bout

One of the most legendary fighters in MMA history will return to action on New Year’s Eve when Fedor Emelianenko faces an opponent still to be named at Rizin Fighting Federation’s inaugural two-day event.

The event takes place on Dec. 29 and 31 at Saitama Super Arena near Tokyo. The event will air on Spike, who released the above video detailing Emelianenko’s (34-4) career and motivation to return to fighting after his retirement in June 2012.

“I decided to come back because the desire to fight runs in my blood,” Emelianenko explains in the video. “The desire to perform and defend the honor of my country. I will fight again in honor of Russia.”

Watch the full video above.

For more on Rizin Fighting Federation 1, Day 2, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.