Fedor Emelianenko

By FCF Staff

Fedor Emelianenko is 40 year’s old, and has already retired once before, but “The Last Emperor” doesn’t plan to end his comeback run anytime soon.

The Russian legend is scheduled to fight Matt Mitrione at Bellator’s “NYC” card this Saturday, which will be hosted by the iconic Madison Square Garden. While talking to the media recently, Emelianenko was asked about his future plans, and the heavyweight said this (quote via MMA Junkie):

“Like every other fighter, I would like to fight as long as I can and am physically capable of and my body allows me to do it,” Emelianenko said. “I have three fights signed with Bellator, so hopefully no injuries or anything else and I will continue to fight.”

Mitrione has recorded consecutive, stoppage wins over Carl Seumanutafa and Oli Thompson since he signed with Bellator. When asked for his thoughts on the heavy-handed fighter, Emelianenko offered this:

“Matt belongs to a top echelon of MMA fighters. He’s a very dangerous fighter. He ha the same opportunity to win because he’s just very skilled and strong and packs a very good punch. He definitely belongs to the top tier of those fighters.”

Emelianenko, meanwhile, is coming off a tightly contested, and controversial decision win over Fabio Maldonado last June. The former PRIDE champ has won five straight.