While Fedor Emelianenko has officially announced his signing with former Pride FC boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara's new Japanese promotion, the entire saga remains shrouded in mystery.

A report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer emerged shortly following the announcement, which revealed that Fedor would make a guaranteed $2.5 million for his December 31st fight against an opponent yet to be determined.

According to Sakakibara, the reported figure bears no resemblance to the official one.

"Information on the $ 2.5 million fee - this is absolutely not true," Sakikabara told R-Sport. "I'm sure that during various negotiations with US organizations, Fedor was offered a much larger amount than our options. The return of Fedor in Japan has completely nothing to do with money, and it is a fact."

Fedor's primary incentive for his return was to help secure a bright future in MMA for his fellow countrymen, many of whom are upstarts in the combat sports.

"One of the main reasons [for Fedor's return] is the development of the future of MMA. Fedor was a legendary champion of PRIDE, he did not suffer a single defeat and is an integral part of the history of mixed martial arts and becoming part of a unique organization."

Sakakibara refused to offer the name of his new promotion or the opponent that is scheduled to meet Fedor. He hinted that the opponent is relevant to the "future of MMA."

"Very soon, we are going to hold a press conference here in Tokyo, which will be explain many details of the New Year's show, including the name of the new organization."

Russian outlet TASS Sports reported that Fedor's opponent would be announced on October 8.