Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko (33-4) will not face either Bobby Lashley or Rolles Gracie this summer as both fighters names came up as possibilities as opponents for ‘The Last Emporer’.
Instead, Fedor will face former UFC heavyweight Pedro ‘The Rock’ Rizzo (19-9) at an upcoming M-1 event in Russia.
News of the bout was announced by M-1 official Evgeni Kogon on Twitter (@evgenikogan)
– Breaking!!! #Vadimjustannounced Fedor’s opponent for June 21 is Pedro ‘The Rock’ Rizzo!!
The upcoming M-1 event is scheduled for June 21, 2012 at the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Fedor has won two straight since losing three straight under the Strikeforce banner. The Russian finished former Judo Olympian Satoshi Ishii by knockout last December in Japan at a “Fight For Japan” event, while winning a decision over Jeff Monson at an M-1 show in November. Previous to that Fedor was stopped by Dan Henderson, Antonio Silva, and Fabricio Werdum.
Rizzo has not fought since July 2010 when he stopped Ken Shamrock by first round TKO at a local event in Australia. That was ‘The Rock’s’ third straight victory which includes wins against Gary Goodridge and Monson. The last time Rizzo fought inside of the Octagon was back in 2003 when he won a decision over Ricco Rodriguez. After that bout he left to join the PRIDE organization. Over his career he challenged for the UFC heavyweight title three times, losing all three times, once to Kevin Randleman and back-to-back fights to Randy Couture.