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Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos says he is ready to join Bellator, acknowledging interest in fighting Fedor Emelianenko.
“Cigano” recently pulled out of the UFC alongside tough division fighter Alistair Overeem as the world’s leading MMA promotion continues to drop fighters from the squad. Junior dos Santos admitted that he was not a fan of the “cold” way that UFC President Dana White let him leave, but he is now ready to pursue his career. Although he admitted he is ready to compete in boxing competitions, it looks like JDS is not ready to hang up his MMA gloves just yet.
Speaking to AG Fight, dos Santos said he still can’t wait to fight, and one name that interests him is the great Emelianenko, who is currently under a contract with Bellator. Coincidentally, Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader recently suggested that both JDS and Overeem participate in the promotion. If so, then dos Santos is ready to join Bellator, offering to fight Emelianenko, Overeem and Bader there.
“I am a big fan of Fedor and it would be something really cool to be able to face him. I don’t know what his situation is, if he’s still fighting and I know he’s at Bellator. Bader who called us, who would welcome us, would be very interesting. He’s a really tough guy too. A rematch against Alistair Overeem himself, who always finds a way to get away from this issue. It can be at Bellator, wherever it is,” Junior Dos Santos said.
Dos Santos is no longer in the prime of his career, as are Emelianenko and Overeem, so fights against any of them seem even on paper. If Bellator President Scott Coker wants to take his call, then perhaps Junior Dos Santos will be a great addition to the list.