Report: Fedor Emelianenko training for a return to MMA

It appears we haven't seen the last of The Last Emperor.

Fedor Emelianenko - one of the greatest heavyweights to ever lace up a pair of 4-ounce gloves - is training to make his return to MMA, according to multiple reports.

"For every athlete, it is very important to be able to engage in their favorite thing: Give all the best in training, performing in competitions, defending the honor of the motherland," Emelianenko said in Russian to Union MMA, according to MMAFighting.com's Dave Meltzer.

"I was able to recover and heal old injuries," Emelianenko said. "The last three years I have maintained physical form, but this level is not enough to go into battle, therefore recently I started intensive training. We have assembled a team of versatile coaches and athletes who will help me in the training process. There is still work to do to prepare to leave the ring. Negotiations are underway with promotions. Once agreements are reached, there will be information on the date of the fight and rival."

Emelianenko's run through the heavyweight division in PRIDE is the stuff of legend, claiming the world title and racking up victories over the likes of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, and Mark Coleman.

Should Emelianenko eventually fight on North American soil, he'll likely suit up for Bellator FC, since he has close ties with Bellator president Scott Coker.