M-1 GLOBAL: “BATTLE OF THE LEGENDS” FEDOR vs. MONSON

“Judging by ticket sales, I think I made the right decision by setting up this event at one of the largest arenas in Moscow. We are practically sold out.” – said M-1’s president Vadim Finkelstein last week in an interview with Sports illustrated.

Universally recognized MMA superstar Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (31-4), the greatest heavyweight in MMA history, is returning home to Russia to fight there for the first time in four years. The Russian combat sports icon is coming off of three straight losses in the United States to Dan Henderson, Antonio Silva and Fabricio Werdum.

“I cannot wait to compete again,” Fedor remarked. “Monson is a great athlete who is skilled in many areas. He is a very worthy opponent. “I’m really happy to be fighting in Russia, as mostly my fights happened overseas. The only time I fought in Russia before was in St. Petersburg four years ago. Feels good and I’m looking forward to it. I’d like to thank all my fans; I know there are a lot in America. I truly appreciate their support. I hope Jeff and I will offer an entertaining fight.”

Wrestling and Brazilian Jui Jitsu specialist Jeff “The Snowman” Monson (43-12), fighting out of Miami, Florida, is a two-time Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships gold medalist.

“Fedor is the best heavyweight of all-time,” a respectful Monson commented. “It’s an honor to be fighting him. A win would be the highlight of my career. My trainers at American Top Team are preparing me for all possibilities.”

“Fedor has been very vocal about wanting to continue his fighting career,” noted Evgeni Kogan, Director of Operations for M-1 Global, Europe’s undisputed MMA leader in Europe. “Fedor vs. Monson is a classic that had been in crosshairs for years. All parties have come together to make this fight a reality.”

Kinosis wrote:Thanks for posting, glad to see the tickets are almost sold out in such a large arena. It would be awesome if Fedor can finish Monson since almost no one has before, even Cormier and most importantly I hope Fedor looks like his old self, win or lose.