Jake Paul’s transition to boxing opened up a seemingly easy route for many MMA veterans to cash in. Among those who competed against Paul are former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren and Anderson Silva. But there are many other high profile individuals that are interested – and one name that’s rather surprising.
Fedor Emelianenko and current Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader were announced as the main event of Bellator 290.
The event will take place on February 4, 2023, at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
Bellator CEO Scott Coker stated in a press release,
“We have been working tirelessly on growing this brand into the global powerhouse it is today and a primetime slot on CBS has always been one of our key objectives.”
“With a healthy roster full of many of the world’s very best fighters, along with elite up-and-coming prospects and legends of the game, I’m very excited to showcase this event on the most-watched network in America.”
Emelianenko and Bader had previously squared off at Bellator 214. Emelianenko lost to Bader in the Heavyweight World Grand Prix finals more than three years ago via knockout in only 35 seconds.
At Bellator 237 and Bellator 269, Emelianenko bounced back with first-round knockouts of Quinton Jackson and Timothy Johnson.
Emelianenko said that he had one more left on his current Bellator contract after defeating Johnson. He then set his eyes on a rematch with Bader despite the rumors of talks with Anderson Silva.
Emelianenko’s US manager, former vice president of Pride and a real enemy of Dan White, Jerry Millen recently gave an interesting interview.
Along with many interesting nuggets about Fedor’s past UFC negotiations, Millen also talked about what’s next for Fedor after retiring.
When asked if this was Fedor’s last outing in MMA, Millen replied:
“He said that this is his last fight and that he will finish with MMA.”
“But who knows, maybe he will try boxing?”
“Even in the United States, because Jake Paul is looking for an opponent.”
“So maybe we will fight Jake Paul according to boxing rules.”
Later on he added: “I’m sure Fedor and I will do something together after he finishes his career.”
Emelianenko had been in talks to box Roy Jones Jr previously but nothing was ever official.