The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that top-ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko and UFC are finalizing a deal to bring the touted fighter into the Octagon.
Citing an anonymous source familiar with the negotiations, the Times noted that the “very civil” negotiations produced an agreement between parties; with the deal now considered a lock, the source notes that all is left is for UFC and Fedor to agree on an announcement.
Emelianenko had been scheduled to address his future in a press conference Wednesday, while UFC President Dana White has promised to make major announcements in a press conference Friday. It had been reported earlier in the week that Emelianenko, who was left without a major American mixed martial arts home after Affliction folded last week, was actively negotiating with UFC and Strikeforce.
The Times story said that the announcement would likely be made during White’s press conference, so it is unclear what Fedor will say regarding the deal when speaking tomorrow.
White had been very optimistic about Fedor dealings in recent weeks, and the belief is that if the deal has indeed been signed, he will get an immediate shot at UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar.
Coming off quick, yet devastating recent victories over former UFC Champions Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski, Emelianenko is widely recognized as the most talented heavyweight fighter in the world. He is also the only heavyweight to consistently rank in the “pound-for-pound best” lists that typically feature smaller fighters like Anderson Silva and Georges St. Pierre.