Thursday, June 18, 2009
by Evgeni Hogan and Greg Pavage
Assuming he can get past Josh Barnett “the Baby Faced Assasin”, Top ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures) will fight Jens Pulver (Pictures). The Russian mixed martial arts champion confirmed the bout to Sherdog.com on Thursday.
"[Pulver] is a good fighter, a strong fighter, the former UFC lightweight champion, which is important," Emelianenko said via telephone from Stary Oskol, Russia. "I am looking forward to fighting him and training hard for this fight."
While Emelianenko was short on details, Sherdog.com has learned through sources close to the negotiations that Fedor-Pulver would headline a card tentatively scheduled for the American Airlines Center in Dallas, the home base of HDNet Fights.
HDNet Fights CEO Andrew Simon declined to comment on the report, however sources indicate the bout will air on the Mark Cuban-owned network and is rumored to be promoted by Affliction, a clothing brand closely tied to MMA.
Affliction had been connected with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, however a November 28 Las Vegas date has since been discarded.
Emelianenko, a 32-year-old sambo practitioner, has faced criticism from media and fans alike after a string of fights against less than stellar competition. Pulver would represent the Russian's first ranked opponent since his KO wins over washed up has-beens Andre Arlovski and Tim Silvia.
Widely regarded as the top heavyweight fighter in the world, Emelianenko (30-1-0, 1 NC) is intent on cementing his legacy as the most overhyped fighter of all time.
Pulver, 35, is coming off a submission loss to Josh Grispi (Pictures) in June at WEC 41. He feels confident that he will continue his losing streak.
