Nokaut.com is reporting today that EliteXC has offered Fedor Emelianenko a four-fight deal over 18 months that could see the PRIDE Heavyweight champion moving to the U.S. promotion to be featured on CBS in their upcoming broadcasts.

According to Nokaut, Fedor's first two bouts would be exclusively featured on CBS, and the last two fights would be pushed to pay-per-view, a first in EliteXC's existence. It's undetermined whether pay-per-view means on Showtime, or if EliteXC will be using an actual PPV provider, but it does make for some interesting theories as to who EliteXC will throw at "The Last Emperor" in his last two bouts.

The big question here is whether or not this is a good move for Fedor Emelianenko. Is he actually looking to up his stake in the American market? Some would say that it really doesn't matter considering the purses he is likely collecting in Japan for fighting freak shows. Others would say that Fedor wants to prove himself in the States, and what better way to gain fame with the massive exposure that CBS can provide.

I would love to think that Fedor wants to eventually just throw money aside and fight mixed martial arts to really prove that he is the best in the world, but I don't believe that's the case. The UFC has the best talent right now, but it also stands to lose a lot of talent this year. Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all potentially be gone by the end of the year. Where will they go? EliteXC may have the dollars to begin a massive undertaking in populating their Heavyweight division with these big names. Add in some great ratings, and we suddenly have a promotion with recognizable fighters on a national TV network. It could also provide Fedor with a proving ground to all his critics that isn't in the UFC's controlling contract structure.

Could this be a good move for Fedor? Yes, it definitely could work out for everyone. Fedor has likely received a lucrative offer from EliteXC that also has the added incentive of huge exposure in the American market on CBS. The pay-per-views will likely gain buys from the exposure, and I'm sure Fedor's deal will work in a cut in revenues. Fedor's cash flow increases, his exposure to the American market increases, and the outlook for EliteXC's heavyweight division increases with his presence. Couture will likely want to pursue a fight with Fedor, and we could see other heavyweights make the exodus from the UFC to a newly empowered EliteXC on network television.

Keep an eye on this story, it could get very interesting.