The MMA heavyweight division is set for an infusion of energy as Fedor Emelianenko returns to competition after almost two years away.

Emelianenko (39-6 MMA) hasn’t been assigned an opponent, but the date and location are set. It’s a Russian reunion as Bellator officially announced today that he’ll fight October 23 at VTB Arena in Moscow. Emelianenko was born in Rubizhne, Ukraine, a little more than 500 miles from Moscow.

Fedor Emelianenko returns to Bellator in October

Emelianenko, 44, last fought in a December 2019 victory over Quinton Jackson at Bellator 237.

His vast collection of fights includes wins over Chael Sonnen, Frank Mir, Josh Barnett, Mirco “Cro Cop” Filipovic, and many more. As well as a knockout loss to Ryan Bader in the finals of the promotion’s heavyweight Grand Prix in 2019.

On Friday, Emelianenko told MMAJunkie he and Bellator will talk about the candidates to be his opponent.

–Field Level Media