Rizin CEO open to Fedor Emelianenko-Wanderlei Silva fight

PRIDE luminaries Fedor Emelianenko and Wanderlei Silva could be coming to a Rizin event in the future.

Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara told Russian news agency TASS that he is open to negotiating with Silva now that "The Axe Murderer" is officially free from his UFC contract. Silva is beloved in Japan, having fought there for the PRIDE organization from 1999-2007.

A trip to the United States to meet with Silva has Sakakibara hopeful that the two can come to an agreement.

"This month, I will visit the United States, where I will meet with Wanderlei," Sakakibara said, according to Karim Zidan of BloodyElbow.com. "This is a fighter, which is not only interesting to Rizin, but for fans of combat sports in general. And our job is to answer the wishes of the viewers."

Silva's run with PRIDE saw him go 22-4, including a few dalliances at heavyweight during a time when Emelianenko was considered to be the best heavyweight in the world. The two never crossed paths, despite their shared notoriety.

Emelianenko made a successful return to MMA last December when he defeated Jaideep Singh and he is looking to fight again soon. Sakakibara expressed interest in booking an Emelianenko-Silva dream match.

"If we talk about the fight between Fedor and Wanderlei Silva, there is such a possibility," Sakakibara said. "If the number of those wishing to see the fight between Fedor and Wanderlei Silva will be really great, we will make efforts to ensure that the fight takes place."