Fedor Emelianenko and Chael Sonnen pose for photographs at a media event Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, to promote their Bellator 208 main event Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, at Long Island's Nassau Coliseum. Bellator President Scott Coker looks on in the background. Fedor Emelianenko vs Chael Sonnen
The MMA heavyweight division is set for an infusion of energy as Fedor Emelianenko returns to competition after almost two years away.
Emelianenko (39-6 MMA) hasn’t been assigned an opponent, but the date and location are set.
It’s a Russian reunion as he’ll fight Oct. 23 at VTB Arena in Moscow, according to an announcement from Bellator on Friday. Emelianenko was born in Rubizhne, Ukraine, a little more than 500 miles from Moscow.
Emelianenko, 44, last fought in a December 2019 victory over Quinton Jackson at Bellator 237.
His vast collection of fights includes wins over Chael Sonnen and Frank Mir as well as a knockout loss to Ryan Bader.
On Friday, Emelianenko told MMA Junkie he and Bellator will talk about the candidates to be his opponent.
–Field Level Media