After months of confusion regarding Fedor Emelianenko’s status with M-1 Global, a decrease in his pound for pound ranking due to inactivity and several rumors regarding his next opponent, we actually may have a fight on our hands.

It looks like free agent Fedor Emelianenko may be fighting "The Maine-iac" Tim Sylvia on July 19. Emelianenko confirmed the fight with Sherdog.com today, Tuesday April 8.

"[Sylvia] is a good fighter, a strong fighter, the former UFC heavyweight champion, which is important," Emelianenko said via telephone from Stary Oskol, Russia. "I am looking forward to fighting him and training hard for this fight."

Update: While negotiations are under way for this bout, Fedor’s manager, Vadim Finkelstein, wanted to make it clear on the m1mixfight.com site that bout agreements have not been signed for the reported July fight.

Here is what Finkelstein had to say about the fight.

"At the moment we can’t certainly say the bout will take place come July because the contract is not signed. However, the both parties are involved in the negotiation process and we are about to break the finishing tape although we haven’t come to an agreement concerning every detail as of yet."

While details are scarce, Sherdog.com apparently found out through sources that the bout between the two top ten heavyweights will most likely headline a card that is scheduled for the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.

The event is rumored to be promoted by the clothing brand, Affliction and will air on Cuban’s HDNet Fights. Affliction had previously been linked to Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions which had a rumored event date of June 28 in Las Vegas. That card has since been cancelled.

Fedor has received tons of criticism from fans and fighters alike regarding his lack of activity over the past couple of years. Tim Sylvia even had a few words to say regarding this issue calling the “Last Emperor” a p**** during an interview a few months ago. His last fight was somewhat of a joke as he took on a fighter in Hong Man Choi that had exactly one pro mma fight under his belt. Sylvia will be Fedor’s first ranked opponent since he fought Crocop almost three years ago.

Tim Sylvia recently decided to leave his home at the UFC to sign with his manager, Monte Cox’s, new MMA promotion, Adrenaline MMA. Sylvia had a total of 13 fights in the UFC losing only four of those. The former UFC heavyweight champ most recently lost to Minotauro Nogueira at UFC 81 via guillotine choke in the third round. Many people think Sylvia is underrated as a heavyweight and at least think Tim will make this bout with Emelianenko a war.