Strikeforce's Heavyweight World Grand Prix kicks off next Saturday from the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and it begins with the return of MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko in the main event.

While his opponent Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva feels Fedor hasn't evolved over the years, Fedor himself says he's preparing well and is training to win the entire tournament.

"I can't wait to compete again," Fedor said in an interview with MMAFA.tv. "Silva is a great athlete who is skilled in many areas. He has proven to be a very worthy and dangerous opponent. My training camp has been very strong. I feel proud to be representing my country in the tournament. I'm training to win the tournament."

Fedor is looking to bounce back from a loss to Fabricio Werdum last June. Reflecting on the loss, Fedor believes he simply made a mistake, and added that he'd approach a rematch with Werdum as he does any other fight.

"I wanted to finish the fight with Werdum early and I made a mistake," Fedor said. "I have moved past this and have been training hard. If we were to face each other again, I will approach this in the same way I do for every contest."

As for how long his career will continue on - his current Strikeforce deal is for three fights with an option for a fourth - "The Last Emperor" believes he'll continue fighting as long as his health allows him.

"I enjoy the competition of sport very much and that is what motivates me," he said. "I will continue to compete for as long as my health and God allow me to. I look forward to getting back in the cage and performing to my highest level. For me, it does not matter which I compete against. I will prepare my best and everything else is God's will."

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Bigfoot airs live on Showtime next Saturday, February 12.

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief