Strikeforce officially announced today that Fedor Emelianenko has signed a multi-fight deal with the organization.

Emelianenko said, “I am looking forward to going back to work and fighting at the highest level.”

He then added, “STRIKEFORCE is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world. I am ready to fight any of them.”

Emelianenko was scheduled to take on Josh Barnett at Affliction: Trilogy on August 1, but the bout was scrapped due to Barnett failing a pre-fight drug test. Affliction then cancelled the entire card and announced that the company would no longer promote MMA events.

UFC President Dana White attempted to sign Emelianenko following Affliction’s collapse, but Emelianenko did not accept the offer due to the UFC’s refusal to co-promote with M-1 Global.

Apparently, Strikeforce was willing to co-promote and was successful in signing Emelianenko.

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with M-1 Global and Fedor,” said Strikeforce Founder and CEO Scott Coker. “Fedor has been the reigning king of MMA’s heavyweight division for quite some time now so being able to work with M-1 and Fedor will substantially increase the level of competition amongst athletes in this weight class.”

Emelianenko will make his Strikeforce debut in the fall on Showtime.

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3. M-1 Global Releases Statement Concerning Fedor Emelianenko's Contract Talks
4. Aleksander Emelianenko Says Vadim Finkelchtein Uses Fedor to Promote His Own Business
5. Fedor Emelianenko-Inspired Character Played By Kurt Angle in Upcoming Warrior Movie