It appears every heavyweight fighter on the UFC's roster has shown some form of interest in welcoming Fedor Emelianenko to the Octagon, even though the Russian heavyweight legend is yet to sign a contract officially signaling his arrival. The latest such heavyweight was Mark Hunt, who expressed some slight disappointment as to nto getting a chance to rematch the legend at the UFC 193 stadium show.

"I don't know why he retired," Hunt told Submission Radio. "I mean everyone has their reasons, but that's a long time coming. He's one of the greatest fighters of all time. I was hopefully looking forward to welcoming him back as a rematch. I was hoping it'd be with me in Melbourne somewhere, but I guess not. We'll see what happens. It's good that Fedor's back in the fighting circles, and especially with the UFC. I mean that's where the best players are right now and that's where the party's at (laughs).

"UFC is where the party's at."

While Hunt admits he did not specifically ask the UFC brass for a rematch against Fedor, he hoped against hope that he would be the one to draw the ‘Last Emperor. '

"Well I never ask [for specific opponents] unless it's some freakin' guy talking rubbish, but I never ask for that person. But it was just a thought. When I heard he was coming back, I was like 'oh maybe I can welcome him to the UFC in Melbourne'. Who knows?"