Recently, Fedor Emelianenko has received a lot of criticism for taking fights with second-rate opponents that fans think have no business stepping in the ring with The Last Emperor

Such is the case with his next opponent, former UFC Heavyweight champion, Pedro Rizzo.

The two veteran fighters will meet in Fedor’s home country of Russia under the M-1 banner in what could very well be the last time we see Fedor fight.

Many fans, including myself, would love to see Fedor in the Octagon at least once to see how he would do against the best in the world. Love him or hate him, a fight between Fedor and anyone in the division would draw a crowd.

According to Russian news outlet RIA Novosti, Fedor is almost assured to retire.

“I think it’s time to call it a day,” Fedor said when asked about his post-Pedro Rizzo plans. “This fight may be my last one. I have been learning from Pedro’s fights and have a lot of respect for him. He is a fighter of a great maturity, beating many of the strongest.”
This fight will be Rizzo’s first since defeating Ken Shamrock in 2010. For Fedor, this will be his third post-Strikeforce fight since his decision win over Jeff Monson late last year, and his knockout win over Satoshi Ishii, on New Year’s Eve.