Fedor Emelianenko has expressed interest in returning to MMA, and Fabricio Werdum is open to giving him a rematch.
Reports emerged last month saying the Last Emperor wanted to return to the sport after retiring three years ago. He said he was interested in facing Werdum who, in 2010, handed him his first loss since 2000. Emelianenko went on to lose to Big Foot Silva and Dan Henderson in consecutive fights before winning three in a row to end his career.
Since then Werdum, 38, has gone on to become UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world. He is on a six-fight winning streak including his victory over Cain Velasquez at UFC 188 in June. And now he says he would be willing to fight Fedor, possibly in December.
“He is a legend. He deserves a rematch, no question about it. I have no problem with facing him in my next fight,” Werdum said via Sportbox.ru.
There is one obstacle between a Werdum-Fedor fight, however. The Brazilian says the UFC would have to grant Emelianenko a title shot despite three years away from the sport.
“I believe that the right to hold a rematch will not work because he has not fought in three years. If he signs a contract with the UFC, I am not sure that they will give him a title shot immediately,” said Werdum. “I believe that it would be logical to give him one more fight before the title. Perhaps our rematch could take place in December. ”
Though it seems like Fedor hasn’t fought in ages since retiring, he is only 38. That’s still old by MMA standards, but he’s the same age as Werdum, and he theoretically could still put up a good fight.
While the UFC was growing, Fedor was the one fighter the organization could never sign. He was like Dana White’s white whale. So long as it’s under the promotion’s terms, you have to figure they would be open to finally signing him for a fight. And you know Fedor really wants revenge on Werdum after the way the Brazilian crowed about the victory.
H/T Bloody Elbow
