Josh Barnett (photo via Bellator)

By FCF Staff

Now that Fedor Emelianenko’s scored a victory in the first fight, of what’s been labeled his retirement tour, it remains to be seen who the legend will fight next. But, Bellator President Scott Coker’s reporting former UFC champ Josh Barnett could be next in line for “The Last Emperor”.

Emelianenko faced “Rampage” Jackson in the main event of Bellator 237 this past Saturday, and finished the star in the first round. During the post-fight presser, Coker had this to say, while discussing who could be next for the former PRIDE heavyweight champ (quote via MMA Junkie):

“The guy that keeps knocking on the door is Josh Barnett,” Coker said. “He had an unfortunate situation two weeks ago, or a week ago in Hawaii. He was sick. I’ve been texting with him, and he’s recovering and getting back. He’d like to fight end of January, but I said that’s not going to happen because L.A. is already so booked up.

“But we’ll get Josh in there against the same opponent (Brazil’s Ronny Markes), and we’ll see how it works out. We’ll see if it’s something Fedor wants to do. I know Barnett would like to do it. He tells me he’d like to fight Fedor, so maybe that’s a fight we can put together.”

Barnett was booked to fight Ronny Markes at Bellator’s recent “Salute the Troops” card, but was forced out shortly before the event due to illness. Barnett would have been making his Bellator debut.

Emelianenko has two fights left now on his current Bellator deal.