Fedor Emelianenko’s opponent for Bellator: Moscow has been chosen

After weeks of speculation, and several notable heavyweight greats tossing their hat into the running, Russian mixed martial arts legend Fedor Emelianenko has an opponent for his return fight in October, and it’s not at all who you were expecting.

Fedor Emelianenko’s opponent for Bellator: Moscow is Tim Johnson

TASS first broke the news, which was later confirmed by MMAJunkie, that none other than former interim title challenger Tim Johnson will be the man to face off with the “Last Emperor” in his highly anticipated return fight in Moscow, Russia on October 23.

When the promotion announced that the former Pride Fighting Championship’s titleholder would end a nearly two-year break from the cage and return to compete in his homeland, a cornucopia of heavyweight stars made their interest known about facing the MMA legend.

Former foes in Fabricio Werdum and Matt Mitrione called for a second go-around with Emelianenko despite beating him previously. Fellow Pride FC alum Josh Barnett hoped to get the chance that never came when both were competing together in Japan. Bellator President Scott Coker also suggested that former Ultimate Fighting Championship stars and current free agents Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem were possible options as well.

In the end, the highly sought-after opportunity goes to UFC veteran Tim Johnson (15-7). Before his June Bellator 261 loss to interim champion Valentin Moldasky, the North Dakota native was in the midst of the best run of his career. Having won three straight over ranked talent in Tyrell Fortune, Matt Mitrione, and Cheick Kongo. It will be, without a doubt, the 36-year-olds most notable fight booking to date.

Emelianenko (39-6) last competed in December 2019 at Bellator 237. On that night in Japan, the 44-year-old beat former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson by technical knockout in the first round. Before that, he lost via TKO to current division champion Ryan Bader in the finals of the promotion’s heavyweight Grand Prix.

Bellator: Moscow will take place at the VTB Arena in Moscow, with the main card airing on Showtime.