With over 50 theaters, 200 museums and an abundance of historic architecture and aesthetic gardens, culture is widespread in St. Petersburg. Deemed the most prominent Western presence in Russian culture, St. Petersburg has produced some good, take America's Next Top Model runner-up Anya Rozova for example, and some bad, in the case of Maxim Petrov, the murderous doctor from the late 90s.

Somewhere in Russia's political and cultural center lies the infamous Red Devil Sports Club, headed by Vadim Finkelstein. 

And among St. Petersburg's 4.6 million citizens sits a man widely acknowledged as the world's most dangerous fighter, Fedor Emelianenko. 

While Fedor's stardom is unmatched, he is not the brother plagued by controversy since Affliction's debut pay-per-view on July 19.

Aleksander Emelianenko, Fedor's younger brother, was forced to withdraw from the card and pull out of his heavyweight bout against Paul Buentello. 

Instantly the rumor mill began swirling.

Many sites were presumably quick to jump the gun on reporting that Emelianenko had tested positive for Hepatitis B. For a brief moment, it appeared that time had run out for the 6'6", 253-pound Russian gladiator. 

Was Aleksander's career really over? Scores of MMA analysts and fans alike pondered the question while the heavily tattooed pugilist kept his mouth sealed. 

Despite being a man of few words, Emelianenko was quick to defend himself against the previous allegations, which, if true, would have prevented him from competing professionally, both in the U.S. and (in theory) internationally.

"I came late, couldn't get my Visa in time and I was not allowed to fight," said Emelianenko. "I'm healthy."

If well-being is indeed on his side, Emelianenko could continue his rise up the rankings in the heavyweight division. The World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts (WAMMA) ranks him tenth on its list of top heavyweights. 

Emelianenko is scheduled to return to action on Nov. 21 at M-1 Challenge 9, which emanates from the Sports Hall "Ice Palace" in Moscow, Russia. He will represent the Red Devil Sports Club against Team Korea prospect Sang Soo Lee (9-4). Lee will be a true test for Emelianenko, having vanquished another Russian heavyweight standout in BodogFight veteran Roman Zentsov at M-1 Challenge 7. He looks to make it two in a row against Russian heavyweights under the M-1 banner, but Emelianenko has other plans.

Aleks Emelianenko got his start in mixed martial arts accompanying his older brother Fedor to Sambo lessons. 

"I prepared myself from early childhood, but I started to train seriously in 2003," said Emelianenko.

Emelianenko is covered in tattoos from the neck down. Throughout his career, some of his tattoos have been linked to mafia affiliations. However, according to him, there is no truth to the claim. 

"Tattoos are my hobby," he said. "That is that."

Though he goes by the nickname "Grim Reaper," Emelianenko says it was not his idea to appoint himself as the symbol of death. "This is the first I hear of the nickname," he said.

Above all else, Emelianenko values the sport and the nature of competition. "All of my opponents were good," he said. "But my most difficult fights lie ahead."

His career highlight was competing in Japan for the PRIDE Fighting Championships. He made his MMA debut at PRIDE: Bushido 1 in 2003 with a split decision victory over Assuerio Silva. Throughout his stint with the now-defunct promotion, Emelianenko lost two major fights, one against Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, the first knockout of his career, and the other: a submission loss to fellow Affliction fighter Josh Barnett. His only other setback was to UFC heavyweight contender Fabricio Werdum at a "2 Hot 2 Handle" card in 2006.

Emelianenko does not frown upon the losses, as they were crucial to his development in the sport. To him, it was never about remaining unbeaten like his older brother. "It's a learning process."

He does not have a dream opponent in mind or a grudge match that he hopes to avenge. According to the 13-3 heavyweight contender, his goal is always to fight the best. 

While Emelianenko may miss his days in PRIDE, he is hopeful of other mixed martial arts promotions rising to the top. "Promotions will develop," he said. "A promotion needs to gather all the best fighters and then it will be just like PRIDE."

"The Grim Reaper" is open to opportunities that may lie ahead of him, regardless of which promotion comes knocking on his door. 

"Yes, I would fight in the UFC," he said. "It makes no difference to me where I fight, or who I fight."

Emelianenko is quick to offer his two cents on if Randy Couture could beat Fedor: "No, not a chance!"

On the topic of possibly clashing with Couture down the road, he is hopeful and equally confident in the outcome. "He is a very solid, experienced fighter... It would be an honor to fight him and I would definitely beat him," he said.

Emelianenko is not shy about predicting outcomes in fights involving himself or his brother, but he does not offer any foresight on the upcoming Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture showdown. "I have no idea... I myself am interested in the result."

A proud representative of the Emelianenko name, Aleks is confident in the future of yet another product of the family tree. His brother Ivan, who is now 19 years old, has been training for a career in mixed martial arts. "If he wants, he can be the best," said Emelianenko, speaking highly of his younger sibling.

He also predicts that Mikhail Malyutin, who has been training under the Red Devil Sports Club, will be the next big star to break out in MMA.

If Gegard Mousasi's recent DREAM middleweight grand prix win is any indication, the Red Devil Sports Club could be in the midst of producing some future champions.

Right now, Emelianenko is focused on bettering his own game to re-emerge as a top heavyweight. "I am now learning how to use my hands effectively," he said. He has also taken his training very seriously, which includes workouts at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a daily basis.

"I have never taken painkillers, I am healthy, and I am preparing for my next fight," he said.

Emelianenko's battle against Lee at M-1 Challenge 9 is official, but he continues to pursue fights abroad. "If our promoters find an agreement, I will fight in Japan in November," he said.

In his mind, there is no limit to how far his career can blossom. "I see myself fighting 10-15 years down the road," he said confidently. 

If the rumors of Emelianenko contracting Hepatitis B are indeed false, which he alleges they are, then promoters worldwide should take notice. Emelianenko could wind up back in Affliction sooner rather than later and if he has his way, he will be a top-five fighter by the end of 2009. 

** Editor's note: I have conducted the interview with Aleksander Emelianenko in Russian and have since translated it.