It appears that fan favorite Aleksander Emelianenko (12W-3L) may be fighting top heavyweight Josh Barnett in an upcoming M-1 Global fight. According to Aleksander's official site, negotiations are underway, and the event may take place April 11, 2008 in Chicago.

Emelianenko, brother of Fedor Emelianenko, last fought at Hardcore Championship Fighting: Tital Wave on October 19, 2007, defeating Dan Bobish via submission with a Guillotine Choke in the first round.

Barnett's last fight was a unanimous decision loss to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at PRIDE Shockwave 2006 on December 31, 2006.