[EmpireWF]

The news came earlier today that top heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko signed with Russian based M-1 Mix-Fight Championship. He was reportedly in negotiations since UFC purchased Pride last year. However, there were various snags in negotiations.

The Fight Network reports the M-1 promotion has been purchased by an "undisclosed American entertainment-related company."

It's expected Fedor, the reigning PRIDE heavyweight champion (in name only, as PRIDE is dead) will fight as soon as January or February.

Although expected, this is a big blow to the UFC as Fedor is largely considered the best fighter in the world. There won't be any Fedor/Couture "Superbowl" fight now.

[EmpireWF]

An official announcement/press conference is expected sometime next week. I've heard rumors that it would be in New York City to also announce the new owners of M-1.

As for who the "American entertainment company" is, still nobody knows for fact.