Russian MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko has cast doubt over his highly anticipated boxing match with longtime rival Mirko Filipović (also known as Mirko Cro Cop), revealing that communication issues with event organizers in Serbia have left the bout in limbo.
In a recent interview, Emelianenko confirmed that he has yet to receive any concrete updates from promoters and is now planning to travel to Serbia personally to clarify the situation.
“I still don’t have any news,” he said. “We’re waiting. I plan to go to Serbia soon so we can speak directly with the organizers and understand exactly what stage the preparations for the match are at.”
According to Emelianenko, the delay appears to be on the promoter’s side. His team has already made formal contact but has received little clarity in return.
“So far, we’ve sent an official letter asking for more time and information,” he explained.
When asked whether the uncertainty was causing concern, the former PRIDE champion admitted that the situation has been stressful, particularly compared to the standards he experienced earlier in his career.
“There is definitely some anxiety,” he said. “In the organizations I competed for before, things were handled a bit differently.”
The proposed bout had initially been targeted for June, and Emelianenko acknowledged that the timeline is becoming increasingly tight as the date approaches.
“There were plans to hold this match in June,” he said. “Time is running short, and we need to bring clarity to the situation.”
He also emphasized that no formal agreement has been finalized.
“We haven’t signed any contract, and we haven’t received a concrete proposal yet,” Emelianenko said.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the potential clash with Filipović, Emelianenko confirmed that he has received interest from other promoters. However, none of those discussions have advanced beyond the exploratory stage.
“Of course, my focus is on this matchup,” he said. “There have been inquiries from others, they ask questions, and we respond. But nothing has moved forward to a real offer. We haven’t reached the stage of signing any contract.”
Beyond boxing, Emelianenko also shared insight into his long-term competitive ambitions, revealing that he hopes to return to Sambo competition after turning 50. He made it clear that the goal would be genuine competition rather than a ceremonial appearance.
“I’ve set a goal to compete at the Russian Sambo Championship after I turn 50,” he said. “I want to step on the mat and test myself against the younger athletes, and then we’ll see what happens.”
[Editor’s Note: Quotes have been translated and edited for clarity and readability.]
