Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - LA TIMES- Fedor Emelianenko, UFC finalizing deal ( Signs with Strikeforce)

kukkudo · 07-30-2009, 09:36 PM

With rumors and speculation surrounding Fedor Emelianenko reaching a fever pitch since the recent cancellation of Affliction “Trilogy” and the subsequent disintegration of the company’s promotional arm, Fedor and his management team at M-1 Global on Wednesday held a press conference to make a few announcements and clarify the status of the No. 1 ranked heavyweight’s future.

Vadim Finkelchtein, the president of M-1 Global, expressed appreciation for the UFC’s latest attempt to sign Fedor, but also stressed that it is thus far not acceptable and the two sides are far from closing a deal. “If we had such an offer two years ago, such as we got yesterday, maybe we would agree, but not in today’s situation. We would not accept that offer.”

The sticking point is still the UFC’s refusal to agree to a co-promotion, while M-1 Global remains steadfast that co-promotion is a must.

“I am not a person who came into the business two years ago and started working it because I saw that was good business. I started in MMA in 1997. I invested a lot of money and a lot of effort and energy into the development of that sport,” said Finkelchtein.

“Today we’ve got enough energy and finance to be able to develop that sport. That’s why I cannot understand the policy of the UFC. The UFC won’t be able to control the whole world. Let’s work together.”

Fedor and his management also announced his participation in the upcoming EA Sports mixed martial arts video game and that he will grace the cover of the game, as well as addressing such topics as Josh Barnett’s alleged positive drug test result for steroids, UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, and more.

-MMA Tracker is the Source..

According to Carmichael Dave (via Bloody Elbow), here's what the UFC was offering Fedor to sign with them:
- The UFC offered Fedor a 6 fight, 30 million dollar contract. That's 5 mil a fight
- The UFC offered Fedor an immediate title shot
- Lesnar/Fedor would be the biggest PPV in MMA history (we assume), and the UFC offered M-1 Global a cut of the PPV on top of Fedor's purse.
- Fedor was free to wear as many M-1 logoed items as he wished.
- The UFC also relented on allowing Fedor to compete in combat sambo.
Apparently, for good or bad, M-1 refuses to sign a deal unless the UFC agrees to co-promote.

07-30-2009, 09:36 PM	#2
kukkudo #1 Goaltender Join Date: Feb 2008 Exp:	With rumors and speculation surrounding Fedor Emelianenko reaching a fever pitch since the recent cancellation of Affliction “Trilogy” and the subsequent disintegration of the company’s promotional arm, Fedor and his management team at M-1 Global on Wednesday held a press conference to make a few announcements and clarify the status of the No. 1 ranked heavyweight’s future. Vadim Finkelchtein, the president of M-1 Global, expressed appreciation for the UFC’s latest attempt to sign Fedor, but also stressed that it is thus far not acceptable and the two sides are far from closing a deal. “If we had such an offer two years ago, such as we got yesterday, maybe we would agree, but not in today’s situation. We would not accept that offer.” The sticking point is still the UFC’s refusal to agree to a co-promotion, while M-1 Global remains steadfast that co-promotion is a must. “I am not a person who came into the business two years ago and started working it because I saw that was good business. I started in MMA in 1997. I invested a lot of money and a lot of effort and energy into the development of that sport,” said Finkelchtein. “Today we’ve got enough energy and finance to be able to develop that sport. That’s why I cannot understand the policy of the UFC. The UFC won’t be able to control the whole world. Let’s work together.” Fedor and his management also announced his participation in the upcoming EA Sports mixed martial arts video game and that he will grace the cover of the game, as well as addressing such topics as Josh Barnett’s alleged positive drug test result for steroids, UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, and more. -MMA Tracker is the Source.. According to Carmichael Dave (via Bloody Elbow), here's what the UFC was offering Fedor to sign with them: - The UFC offered Fedor a 6 fight, 30 million dollar contract. That's 5 mil a fight - The UFC offered Fedor an immediate title shot - Lesnar/Fedor would be the biggest PPV in MMA history (we assume), and the UFC offered M-1 Global a cut of the PPV on top of Fedor's purse. - Fedor was free to wear as many M-1 logoed items as he wished. - The UFC also relented on allowing Fedor to compete in combat sambo. Apparently, for good or bad, M-1 refuses to sign a deal unless the UFC agrees to co-promote.