Fedor Emelianenko will no longer participate in the Russian Sambo Tournament

"Fedor is observing the [NJACB's] 90-day suspension, and will not compete at the Russian Combat Sambo champs over the weekend. - Evgeni Kogan speaking to ESPN.com

Following his loss to Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva earlier this month at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva, Fedor Emelianenko announced his intention to participate in a Combat Sambo event this weekend in St. Petersburg, Russia.  His involvement in the Sambo Tournament would defy a 90-day medical suspension handed down by the New Jersey Athletic Control Board and would have likely resulted in the revocation of his state license.  In light of the possible repercussions, Emelianenko and M-1 Global released a statement declaring that "The Last Emperor" will not participate in the Tournament after all, and will instead honor the board's medical suspension.

Although Emelianenko's loss to Silva eliminates him from the Strikeforce Grand Prix, talks of the Russian possibly serving as an alternate in the later stages of the bracket began to emerge in the days that followed.  The second set of quarterfinal bouts will feature Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum and Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers.  While they were expected to take place April 9th, they have reportedly been postponed to a later date due to undisclosed reasons.