Fedor Emelianenko vs. Fabio Maldonado set for Fight Nights in Russia

„The Last Emperor” will return to action in his home country against a UFC veteran.

Fedor
Emelianenko is scheduled to compete under the Fight Nights banner June
17 in St. Petersburg, Russia, in a heavyweight clash with Fabio
Maldonado. MMA Fighting confirmed the news following a report by
Combate.

Emelianenko (35-4, 1 NC) returned from retirement in
December, defeating Jaideep Singh in three minutes at Rizin FF. Prior to
the contest, the former Pride heavyweight champion defeated Pedro
Rizzo, Satoshi Ishii and Jeff Monson.

Maldonado (22-9) became a
fan favorite in the UFC for his fighting style, which earned him a 5-6
record inside the Octagon. After leaving the UFC, Maldonado scored two
quick knockouts in boxing matches. Before facing Emelianenko in Russia,
Maldonado is booked to face Felipe Dantas in a light heavyweight bout in
Brazil on May 6.