Scott Coker off to Japan for NYE, plans to talk to Fedor about return to action

Since taking over Bellator, Scott Coker has set about making changes and signing fighters that fans want to see (thank you so much for Manheof and Schilling). He has been very forthright about snatching up every free agent they can get their hands on, and will more than likely engage in legal warfare with the very formidable UFC over contract rights to light heavyweight crowd pleaser, Rampage Jackson.

Now, in another unsurprising move, Coker will be headed to Japan for New Year's Eve and will be taking in the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2014 in Tokyo. At the top of his to-do list is hooking up with the great Fedor Emelianenko about a possible return to action. If you tap into your mind palace, you will recall that Fedor fought under the Strikeforce banner (headed up by Coker) four times.

In a recent interview with Sherdog and transcribed by Tristen Critchfield, Coker discussed his New Year's plans:

"I've heard mixed signals," said Coker. "The last time I talked to [his people], they were basically saying he's retired and he's working for the government supporting MMA, and the growth of MMA in Russia. I'm going to the New Year's Eve show in Japan, so I'll be over there and I'll be talking to him and seeing if there's any interest."

It's a small quote, but the Pride fan in me wants desperately to believe that there is still a chance to see Fedor in action. I hope you'll all join me in a collective crossing of the fingers. As always, Bloody Elbow will keep our readers updated on this story as more information becomes available.