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Famed heavyweight fighter Fedor Emelianenko will part ways with the M-1 Global organization next week and will officially become a "free agent," according to a report from ESPN.com.

"Divorce negotiations" are currently underway, according to the report, with a formal announcement of Emelianenko's exit from M-1 Global expected in the next few days.

Emelianenko, the reigning PRIDE heavyweight champion until the organization's eventual demise last year, signed with M-1 Global in October. A group of American investors purchased the organization from Emelianenko's manager, restructured it, and hired noted fighter agent Monte Cox as its CEO. However, the organization has yet to host its first event, nor has it announced any additional fighter signings.

With the reported free agency, a superfight between estranged UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture and Emelianenko could once again become a reality. Prior to signing with M-1 Global, Emelianenko turned down an offer to fight exclusively for the UFC, saying the contract was too restrictive.

Soon after, Couture announced his resignation from the UFC, citing the organization's inability to sign Emelianenko as a reason why.

It is unknown if Emelianenko's camp will be willing to revisit discussions with the UFC. However, the UFC is apparently ready. When UFC president Dana White was asked by ESPN.com if the organization would be willing to re-open negotiations to bring Emelianenko to the UFC, White responded with a big affirmative.

"Absolutely, 100 percent, in a heartbeat," he was quoted as saying. "People think he's the best; I don't, not even close. But if it's somehow possible, I would make it happen."

One other organization that may be interested in the heavyweight's services is EliteXC, which recently signed a groundbreaking deal with CBS. With the partnership, MMA will appear on major U.S. network television for the first time.

The 31-year-old Emelianenko, who held the PRIDE heavyweight belt for more than four years before the UFC owners purchased and disbanded the organization this past summer, is a career 27-1. Although he's defeated some of the top fighters in the sport -- including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic and Heath Herring -- he's fought few (if any) top-tier guys in recent years.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/3892/report-fedor-emelianenko-to-become-free-agent.mma