Still possessing a champion's heart and desire to compete, Fedor Emelianenko (31-4, 1 NC) has elected not to retire; his next opponent and date are to be determined with the bout likely slated to take place in Russia.

M-1 Global President and co-founder Vadim Finkelstein confirmed ‘The Last Emperor's' decision and shared his immediate plans for Europe's leading mixed martial arts promotion.

"We consulted with Fedor and it was decided that he should not leave the sport in this way. His friends and past opponents support Fedor in continuing his career and he agreed," said Finkelstein. "We want to organize a fight for Fedor in Russia and have already begun working in this direction. If everything goes as planned, we will produce a card in Moscow or St. Petersburg sometime in the fall with Fedor as the main event." The opponent is yet to be determined.

More plans are also in the mix according to Finkelstein, "In addition to the fight in Russia, we're also working with our Japanese contacts to organize a New Year's Eve event in Japan that Fedor would participate in as well."

When asked about 2012 Finkelstein spoke optimistically; "If all is successful, in 2012 we'll be back in the U.S. All these ideas are being developed right now and we want to work exactly according to this plan."