Fedor Emelianenko returns to America for Bellator 134 festivities

Fedor Emelianenko is making his first trip to the United States in quite some time, as the Russian MMA icon will be in attendance to help promote Bellator 132 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, the organization announced.

Emelianenko will join Tito Ortiz, Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock to sign autographs and take pictures with fans on Feb. 26 and 27. Bellator president Scott Coker said that he's well aware Emelianenko's presence will cause plenty of speculation about a potential return.

"I know some people will look into it more than what they should," Coker said. "We have a good relationship with Fedor. He's happy to come. How great for the fans?"

Emelianenko fought for Coker under the Strikeforce banner from 2009-11 before retiring from professional MMA in 2012 with a 34-4-1 record. While there's definite interest from Bellator's side to sign Emelianenko, the former Russian heavyweight hasn't made any indication he's ready to step back in the cage and compete again.