Fedor Emelianenko Returns to MMA on New Year’s Eve

Fedor Emelianenko will return to mixed martial arts on New Year’s Eve in a fight that will see him compete in the main event of a card in Japan.

Spike TV officials announced Emelianenko’s participation in the event during the Bellator 142 broadcast. An opponent for the Russian heavyweight is yet to be announced.

“I’m a fighter, and I’m ready,” Emelianenko said during the broadcast. “I will see you New Year’s Eve on Spike TV.”

The event with Emelianenko marks the debut of a new MMA promotion run by former Pride President Nobuyuki Sakakibara. Bellator will partner with Sakakibara for the card and will have fighters from its roster participating.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Nobuyuki Sakakibara and our partner, Bellator President Scott Coker, to give MMA fans a big reason to celebrate this  New Year’s Eve,” said Spike TV President Kevin Kay in a statement. “Fedor fighting free on Spike.”

Tokyo will be the host city for the card, officials said. More details are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram