According to multiple sources including UFC Mania, MMANews, and MMAJunkie, PRIDE FC Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko has announced that he signed a six-fight, two-year fight contract with M-1 Global. The announcement was made at Mark Echo Enterprises in down town Manhattan.

Details from the press conference include:

-Monte Cox — the long-time manager of mixed martial artists such as former welterweight champion Matt Hughes — was was named President and CEO of M-1 Global.

-Monte Cox stated at the conference that they are looking for the best oppentents in the world to fight Fedor.

“There’s a couple guys who we heard became free. I don’t know. It’s just a rumor.“ said Cox, in a thinly veiled comment directed at Randy Couture. During media events this past weekend at UFC 77, White said he will not release Couture from his contract. Couture has two fights remaining on the deal, and White hinted that the matter will likely have to be settled by the courts.

-At this time, no opponent or date has been set for the debut of Russian superstar Fedor Emelianenko under the M-1 banner.

-M-1 is searching for a television partner and is eager to stage an event as early as February 2008.

-In the next 10 days, M-1 will reveal its stable of fighters who will join Emelianenko on the new roster.

-UFC turned down an offer to match Emelianenko up against Tim Sylvia, Fedor isn't sure if Sylvia turned it down of if the UFC turned it down.

-Fedor mentioned that his brother, Aleks, was offered a “low ball” contract to fight inside the Octagon. The goal is to sign him to an M-1 contract as soon as possible.

-M-1 will follow PRIDE FC rules for the most part and not include elbows.

-Fedor rejects the “number one pound for pound fighter” in the world label because he hasn’t fought and defeated all the best fighters in the world.

-M-1 has had many offers to work with other organizations.

-M-1 is as popular in Europe as the UFC is here in North America.

-Fedor is asked why he made the decision not to sign with the UFC. He said that M-1 is going to be an open company and not closed which means he can compete with all champions. He does not feel like the UFC is open.

-Fedor was asked about the possibility of a fight with Randy Couture. He said that he was pleased to hear how highly Randy thought of him. He has great repsect for Randy and has admired him for a long time. Said it would be an honor to fight Couture.