Fedor Emelianenko is headed back to the Bellator MMA cage and former UFC champion Jon Jones is taking notice.
On Friday, it was revealed that Emelianenko will be making his return to MMA and headlining Bellator’s upcoming card in Moscow, Russia, this October. Fedor’s opponent has yet to be announced, but Bellator president Scott Coker believes heavyweight legends Alistair Overeem and Junior dos Santos are in the running.
After learning of Fedor’s upcoming return to action Jones decided to Facetime “The Last Emperor” to pay his respects. Watch the video below, which was provided by Bellator MMA:
Real recognize real @JonnyBones FaceTimed Fedor Emelianenko to congratulate the GOAT on his upcoming return to the Bellator cage, October 23 in Moscow. #Bellator261 #MMA pic.twitter.com/joSMaIyauP
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) June 26, 2021
“Hey what’s up? How are you man?” – Jones asked.
“Thank you sir. Thank you. Very good.” – Fedor replied.
“Hey, I just want to say congratulations and welcome back.” – Jones said.
“Thank you my brother.” – responded Fedor.
“Yea I am very excited for you. I will talk to you later.” – replied Jones.
“Thank you my brother.” – Emelianenko finished.
This is pretty cool considering Jones didn’t have to reach out to the legendary heavyweight to congratulate him on his return to action. Emelianenko, who turns 45 this September, hasn’t competed since a win over Quinton Jackson back in Dec. 2019. In five fights under the Bellator banner Fedor has managed to compile a 3-2 record with finishes over Chael Sonnen, Frank Mir, and the aforementioned “Rampage.”
As for Jones, he hasn’t competed since a light heavyweight title defense over Dominick Reyes back at UFC 247 in Feb. 2020. Since then “Bones” has relinquished his title, announced his move to heavyweight, and is currently trying to lock down a superfight with UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou if he can land the payday he believes he deserves.