Yakov Letov, who manages the Russian fighter Vyacheslav Datsik, indicated that a rematch with Alexander Emelianenko could be scheduled for the end of February under boxing rules with four-ounce gloves in the Ural FC promotion. The announcement suggests the bout is moving into the final phase of negotiations, with tentative plans pointing to late February as the target date.
Datsik, now in his early forties, carries a mixed record in mixed martial arts, featuring seven victories and nine defeats. Earlier this year, he scored a knockout over Oli Thompson, a former UFC contender, in a boxing-style clash held in Moscow. More recently, Datsik suffered a defeat against Pyotr Romankevich in a REN TV Fight Club tournament on October 28, a result that added a new chapter to his competitive timeline.
Their rivalry has a documented history of two previous encounters conducted under boxing rules. The first notable meeting occurred on September 24, 2022, when the two athletes faced off in a fight that ended with Datsik’s knockout victory in the 13th second of the opening round. The rapid finish underscored Datsik’s power in short, decisive exchanges and highlighted the stylistic contrasts between the competitors.
There have also been recent discussions within the sport community regarding Datsik’s condition after an injury incident in the Northern Military Region. Reports circulated about his recovery process, with observers noting that rehabilitation would be a critical factor in his ability to step back into competition at a high level. Despite these challenges, the prospect of a rematch with Emelianenko has remained a focal point for fans and analysts who recall their previous exchanges and the potential for a dramatic rematch under a new rule set. The boxing-format bout with four-ounce gloves would emphasize speed, footwork, and precision, testing both fighters’ adaptability to a slightly altered set of parameters compared with traditional MMA competition.
As the teams finalize details, those close to the situation stress the importance of health status, weight management, and promotional logistics. The Ural FC platform appears to be positioning the event as a showcase for combat sports that blend elements of boxing and MMA-style preparation, appealing to audiences who enjoy high-stakes clashes with a clear and immediate payoff. Observers continue to monitor how changes in format might influence pacing, strategy, and crowd reception, while the athletes focus on training camps, sparring intensity, and tactical adjustments that could define the outcome of what would be a high-profile rematch. In the meantime, fans remain hopeful that both competitors will arrive at the venue ready to deliver a memorable confrontation that lives up to the history of their rivalry.
Note: This narrative reflects reported discussions and publicly observed events surrounding the anticipated rematch, without asserting finalized promotional confirmation or scheduling details. Attribution for initial reporting resides with sports media coverage prior to any official confirmation.