The famed Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko took a humongous bite out of the Big Apple Wednesday as hundreds of appreciative fans arrived early and stayed late to catch a glimpse of the mixed martial arts superstar and universally recognized No. 1 heavyweight in the world at a Free Open Workout and Meet & Greet in New York City.

In a major news development, it was announced that the talented, exciting Fedor (30-1) of Russia would meet undefeated, hard-hitting Brett “The Grim” Rogers of Minneapolis on SHOWTIME® this fall. It will be Fedor’s first start since M-1 Global and STRIKEFORCE signed a ground-breaking agreement to co-promote major events.

Photos: Esther Lin/Strikeforce

STRIKEFORCE Founder and CEO Scott Coker addresses the media and fans who turned out at Fighthouse on Wednesday.

Fedor was in a jovial mood as he answered questions from the media and fans.

President of M-1 Global, Vadim Finkelchtein, is interviewed by SHOWTIME.

Fedor hit the mitts and worked the bag during his workout.

It was an opportunity of a lifetime for many of the fans, who were able to get autographs, take pictures and get up close and personal with the great Fedor.