Fedor Emelianenko, considered one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history, could be near a deal with the UFC.
Appearing on Monday's "MMA Hour" with Ariel Helwani, the Russian fighter said, "In a word, yes. That possibility does exist."
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Bringing Emelianenko to UFC would be huge news for MMA fans. The 39-year-old faces former UFC veteran Fabio Maldonado this weekend in St. Petersburg, Russia on a Eurasia Fight Night card.
UFC boss Dana White has long coveted a card featuring Emelianenko (35-4-1), who dominated PRIDE and Strikeforce before a brief retirement.
According to MMA Fighting, no future opponents have been discussed.
"I always wanted to fight for UFC and I would fight for UFC, but at this moment we're looking at the deal and the deal has to satisfy both parties — them and my organization," Emelianenko told Helwani through an interpreter.