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Randy Couture and Fedor Emelianenko may still fight in the UFC. (AP Images)

Despite court battles and contracts, the heavyweight match everyone wants to see might still happen in the UFC.

According to ESPN.com, top-ranked Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko (27-1-0) is preparing to part ways with M-1 Global, the fighting organization to which he is currently signed, and will become a free agent as early as next week.

Emelianenko signed with M-1 last year, prompting UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture (16-8-0) to leave the octagon, citing their inability to sign Fedor as a key factor in his decision.

Now, with the UFC and Couture locked in an ugly court battle over his employment contract, it looks like all parties involved are being given a second chance to make the fight happen.

"We're open to a discussion," says Emelianenko's manager Apy Echteld. "If everybody is willing to put a little wine in the water, then we have something to work with. There is space for this to happen."

"I like Randy, I genuinely like to think he's a good guy," UFC president Dana White explains. "As much as we've gone back and forth on this, I would sign Fedor and do everything possible to get Randy in the octagon with him. I'd do anything, because A: it's a great fight and B: I think Randy would smash Fedor."

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