ANTONIO RODRIGO NOGUERIA - FORMER PRIDE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP

From what I hear, Fedor is prepared for this fight, he’s fighting more, he’s been in shape. But you never know – especially in the heavyweight division.

The last fight, Fedor and (Fabio) Maldonado, you know, Maldonado surprised him. That fight could have gone either way. A fight is a fight, but Fedor’s got everything to win. If he turns up in good condition then he will win, but anything can happen.

Ultimately, I have to stick with Fedor. But he must fight like he did before in his career and that won’t be easy as he’s not as active a before.

PICKING: FEDOR EMELIANENKO

MICHAEL CHANDLER - BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION

This fight is a little bit of a wild card. On one hand, you have Matt Mitrione, who isn’t a spring chicken, but he’s a bit younger and fights like he’s younger. He still has that footwork of an NFL football player.

He’s fast. He’s in and out of the pocket. He has great striking and great power in his hands. He’s very tenacious.

On the other hand, you have Fedor Emelianenko, who is a little bit more calculated but powerful as an ox. He’s a legend and always shows up confident and prepared. He knows his way around the cage better than anybody. It’s a tough fight to call because it’s a heavyweight fight where one punch can end the action at any time.

If it ends by knockout, Fedor wins. If it goes to decision, Mitrione wins because he can push the pace and outpoint and outstrike Fedor.

PICKING: MATT MITRIONE

BAS RUTTEN - FORMER UFC CHAMP TURNED ANALYST

I feel like I should always side with Fedor, but he’s not the same fighter he was 10 years ago, we can see that watching his most recent fights.

And with Mitrione, he’s always on. From his 11 wins he has 10 knockouts. Of course, in his losses, it’s the same deal – two knockouts and two submissions. So if Fedor is smart he will shoot for the takedown and go for the finish on the ground.

If his ego comes in and he wants to stand and fight with Mitrione, then that’s maybe a mistake. But I’m excited to see what Fedor can do at this stage in his life.

PICKING: FEDOR EMELIANENKO

WINNER FEDOR EMELIENANKO BY SPLIT DECISION

All three judges agree Mitrione has the edge in agility, Fedor’s skill set should see him claim his first win on US soil since 2009.