Number one-ranked heavyweight “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko will likely return to Strikeforce action in June. The stoic Russian’s M-1 Global management group is currently involved in contract renegotiations with the California-based MMA promotion. Both parties confirmed to Sherdog.com last night that a reworked deal is nearly in place.
Emelianenko last competed for Strikeforce on November 7, 2009 when he knocked out previously undefeated challenger Brett “The Grim” Rogers in front of millions of viewers on primetime CBS television.
Contrary to rumours suggesting that the fight may have changed, the Ultimate Fighting Championship confirmed today that a planned heavyweight bout between Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson and Matt Mitrione will, in fact, take place at UFC 113 in Montreal, Québec, Canada in May.
Sengoku Raiden Championships held its first event of 2010 tonight at SRC 12, which was headlined by a rematch for the SRC Middleweight Championship. Jorge Santiago successfully defended his title against Mamed “The Cannibal” Khalidov and avenged a loss from last November.
World Extreme Cagefighting came to the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio tonight for WEC 47: “Bowles vs Cruz.” The event was headlined by an exciting WEC Bantamweight Championship bout between Brian Bowles and new champion Dominick Cruz.
Korean standout Chan Sung Jung has signed a six-fight deal with World Extreme Cagefighting. The highly-touted Sengoku veteran, known as “The Korean Zombie,” may debut for the promotion as soon as WEC 48 on April 24th, which airs live on pay-per-view.
Rising star Jennifer “Rosebud” Tate has withdrawn from the second round of the Freestyle Cage Fighting Women’s Bantamweight Grand Prix. Tate, who dispatched of fellow EliteXC veteran Kaitlin Young in the tournament’s opening round, announced today that she is pregnant with her second child.
Reigning NABO and IBA Heavyweight Boxing Champion James “Lights Out” Toney has signed with the UFC. The outspoken 41-year-old had petitioned UFC President Dana White for a shot at competing in the Octagon and recently signed a multi-fight deal with the promotion. The news was first reported by FiveOuncesOfPain.com.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first trip to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada may not happen as quickly as planned. According to a report from MMA commentator and analyst Paul Lazenby, the city has yet to implement regulations to promote mixed martial arts professionally and may not do so for at least two months.