Fedor Emelianenko

By FCF Staff

There has been extensive speculation about what’s next for Fedor Emelianenko, and according to a new report, Bellator is close to signing a bout between the legend and Matt Mitrione.

Emelianenko (36-4) is coming off a controversial, decision win over Fabio Maldonado in June.  That fight took place under the EN banner in Russia. FloCombat is reporting that several sources have confirmed that Bellator is targeting Emelianenko – Mitrione for early 2017. The report says the match-up is nearly official.

Recently Shane Carwin reported that he had agreed to face Fedor with RIZIN, but that the latter had yet to sign the bout agreement. Carwin is scheduled to compete in second round of the promotion’s open-weight grand prix, December 29th.

Mitrione (11-5) moved from the UFC to Bellator earlier this year, and has stopped Carl Seumanutafa and Oli Thompson.