Fedor Emelianenko

By FCF Staff

After Fedor Emelianenko elected to sign with Rizin FF last year, many people gave up on the prospect of him ever stepping into the Octagon, but the Russian stars says he’s still interested in fighting for the UFC. In particular, it’s clear that Emelianenko is very interested in rematching the promotion’s current heavyweight champ, Fabricio Werdum.

Recently Emelianenko spoke to Epic MMA, and during the interview he was asked why he’s never fought for ZUFFA. The 39 year-old proceed to say that the “doors are open” to the UFC, and that “we are talking about it”. Emelianenko also relayed that he wants to face Werdum again, who submitted him in 2010, under the Strikeforce banner. The defeat was the former PRIDE champ’s first since 2000.

“The Last Emperor” added that he’s informed the UFC “many times” that he wishes to fight Werdum and that he would “accept that fight”.

Emelianenko also reported that his next fight will take place in Russia, however, he did not provide any details.

The 35-4 fighter returned to the ring for Rizin’s New Year’s Eve card in December, and stopped Jaideep Singh. The fight was Emelianenko’s first since 2012.