Report: Emelianenko to have rubber match on New Year’s Eve

A report has surfaced from a source close to Inside MMA and MMA legend Bas Rutten that Fedor Emelianenko will have a rubber match on New Year’s Eve when he makes his MMA return at Rizin Fighting Federation.

According to the report, Tsuyoshi Kohsaka will be Emelianenko’s opponent for the event.

Back in 2000 under the Rings banner Kohsaka handed Emelianenko the first loss of his career, however in 2005 while fighting under the Pride FC banner Emelianenko avenged the loss.

Kohsaka hasn’t fought since a 2006 loss to Mark Hunt under the Pride banner. Kohsaka compiled a 28-18-2 record during his MMA career that saw him fight under numerous promotional banners including Pride FC, the UFC, Rings, and several others.

Sources close to Inside MMA & @BasRuttenMMA say Fedor Emelianenko will fight Tsuyoshi Kohsaka in a rubber match New Year’s Eve in Japan.

— Inside MMA (@InsideMMAaxstv) November 7, 2015