Whether you love him or hate him, whenever Fedor Emelianenko steps into a ring or cage it is a big deal in the world of MMA. The “Last Emperor” made his 2016 debut in a bout against former UFC light heavyweight Fabio Maldonado for the Eursia Fight Nights organization and managed to survive an early onslaught to claim a majority decision victory.

The weeks leading up to the fight rumors about Fedor coming to the UFC started to heat up as the former PRIDE champion stated in interviews that he was close to signing a deal. What also helped spread the rumors was that the EFN 50 event that Fedor was the main event on would be stream on the UFC Fight Pass. As we’ve seen with Cyborg being featured on an event airing on the Fight Pass could lead to a fight inside the octagon.

The bout opened up with Fedor throwing a heavy load of strikes to Maldonado but the flurry did not faze the Brazilian as he landed a heavy shot that sent Fedor to the canvas. From there Maldonado pressured Fedor with some ground and pound but the Russian MMA legend somehow managed to escape the round.

The first round proved to be the only legitimate shot Maldonado had in winning the fight as the second and third round saw Fedor put pressure on his opponent scoring points with every strike landed.

The judges would go on to give Fedor the majority decision victory and now the only question remains is if the UFC will finally bring the “Last Emperor” into the organization to final run.