Word about a possible super fight involving Anderson Silva and Fedor Emelianenko came up recently. However it seems that all talk surrounding the alleged fight, which was first brought up by Chael Sonnen's podcast, are nothing but rumors.
Although the fight would have certainly been something huge, the thing is that Fedor Emelianenko has yet to officially sign with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). But as it turned out, Emelianenko would instead headline an inaugural event for a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in Japan which will take place on Dec. 31.
In an official statement that appeared on UnionMMA.ru, Emelianenko said, "I am very happy that I could come back again and to fight in Japan." He added, "In this country, MMA has a rich history, and many fighters began their career there. My fight will take place in the framework of the new Japanese promotion, which will be headed by the former owner of PRIDE Nabuyuki Sakakibara. In the near future we will announce the name of my opponent. The tournament also will be attended by Russian athletes."
The only thing in question right now is how long Emelianenko's fights would be hooked up with Sakakibara.
Seeing Emelianenko fighting in the UFC was sort of a long shot at first. Aside from the fact that he has decided to take his act to Japan, there were questions on whether or not he could make the 205-pound limit and fight at the said weight class against a seasoned Anderson Silva.
Silva on the other hand is serving a suspension, making a tiff at least improbable for now.
Capping it all off, UFC President Dana White calls the case of Emelianenko a "weird deal" which has been going on for quite some time.
"We've obviously talked to Fedor many times and tried to get it done, and we'll see how this thing plays out. But no, there's absolutely no truth to that whatsoever. Sorry Chael," says White at a recent press conference.
