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Fedor Emelianenko to Return on New Year's Eve in Japan, Reunites with Ex-Pride Boss

Fedor Emelianenko has picked a promotion for his MMA return, but at least for now, it won’t be for either of his main suitors.

“The Last Emperor” will compete for the first time in more than three years when he fights on New Year’s Eve in Tokyo for a new organization run by former Pride Fighting Championships President Nobuyuki Sakakibara. According to a release, Sakakibara is partnering with Bellator MMA for the event, which will be televised on Spike TV.

“I have decided to return. On this New Year’s Eve we’ll have a big event in Japan.