It appears that Fedor Emelianenko will be back in a StrikeForce cage after all.
Rumors have run rampant regarding Emelianenko’s next fight since his last scrap, which took place in November of last year. In that fight, he overcame an early challenge from Brett Rogers en route to TKOing his foe in the 2nd round at “StrikeForce on CBS.” Earlier this year, word leaked out that the management company for the consensus number one heavyweight in the world, M-1 Global, was renegotiating its agreement with the San Jose-based StrikeForce. Both StrikeForce CEO Scott Coker and M-1 officials confirmed to the media that the agreement simply needed minor tweaks. Apparently, the “tweaks” have been made, and Fedor (31-1-0-1) will once again re-enter the cage.
Speaking after the DREAM event this past Monday in Japan, Coker told reporters, “M-1 Global and Strikeforce entered into a three fight contract exclusive for Fedor to fight in a co-promotion between Strikeforce and M-1 Global, and as you know we did the first fight on November 7th in Chicago. Fedor is now scheduled to fight in June towards the end of the month in America against Fabricio Werdum.”
Werdum (13-4-1) is not viewed by many as much of a threat to Fedor. He is a world class jiu-jitsu competitor, but the Russian has faced tough submission fighters before. Fans have clamored for Fedor to battle StrikeForce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem for the belt, but in Emelianenko’s absence, the Dutchman is taking on Rogers on May 15th. There is no word on whether or not the title will be on the line.
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