- 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
- The UFC offered M-1 Global a cut of the Lesnar/Fedor PPV
on top of Fedor's purse.
- Fedor was free to wear as many M-1 logoed items as he wished.
- The UFC also would allow Fedor to compete in combat sambo.
However, M-1 still refuses to sign a deal unless the UFC agrees to co-promote.
I think it's safe to say the UFC will
NOT agree to that. They simply don't need to from a business standpoint. Fedor would be a phenominal addition to the UFC. There's no arguing that, but in the end, they'll be fine without him. So if M-1 doesn't change their position on that issue, these negotiations are over.
Look for M-1 to turn to Strikeforce now. Strikeforce has already done co-promotions with Affliction, so this seems to be more workable from that standpoint. Can you say "Fedor vs Alistair"?. However, I can't believe Strikeforce will come anywhere near what the UFC has offered as far as money.
Stay tuned.
In the very beginning, it seemed that the UFC was too strict with their contracts, but now who's being unreasonable? GIVE US YOUR OPINION ON THIS, AND TELL US WHERE YOU THINK FEDOR WILL ULTIMATELY END UP.
Amazing. The UFC gave him a sweet deal. Fedor is dumb, or his management is dumb.
ReplyDeleteFedor has to go down as the stupidest fighter ever for not taking this deal.
ReplyDeleteI can only think that he is scared to mess up his rep and think he will get beat or some Russian gangster doesn't want his cash cow to get a big pay day and be done.
Which still doesn't make any sense because of a point my brother just brought up to me....he will make SOOOOOOO much money in sponsorships and crap.
I think this guy is a ducking any real competition and should not be considered the best any more.
This guy is a moron.
I totally agree with Blue (You're my boy Blue). Fedor sure seems to be ducking any real competition by making these ridiculous excuses not to sign the deal. Maybe he can go fight that sumo wrestler from UFC 1 because that's the level he has been fighting since pride folded.
ReplyDeleteSylvia and Arlovski seemed legit until you realize they lost their next fights in a combined time of 30-something seconds. One to a 50 year old man, and the other to a guy who is a can in waiting.
Sure it would be nice to see Fedor in the UFC, but if he signs with any other organization, he is nothing more than what Junie Browning was on TUF 9; a guy who claims to be the greatest, but when the competition steps up, he tries any way possible to weasel his way out.
i think the only problem is his management if he fights in the UFC only Fedor makes a lot money.
ReplyDeleteBut if they co-promote M1 makes a lot money.
Fedor is not guy who needs money he has money but still he lives simple life.He is not like Alves talking about cars and girls.
So i really think that only problem is his management.
M-1 is a bunch of super homos! I won't say that about Fedor because I'm not sure if it is up to him or not. But this is freaking retarded, why would the biggest MMA organzation in the world who have been making three times the money as any organazation without co-promoting, do anything diffrent to sign one fighter.
ReplyDeleteIf Fedor himself is not taken the deal he knows Brock Lesnar is a legitiment threat to whoop his ass. Hell I think there are alot of guys with a legitiment chance to defeat Fedor. Maybe he is ducking competition, I mean you think about it. Tim Sylvia lost to Randy Couture, defeated Brandon Vera by muscling up against the cage, and lost to a guy that Fedor has beaten twice. That is why Fedor was fine with fighting Tim. Andrei is known for a weak chin, Fedor was cool with fighting him.
This is starting to get retarded though, I hope that if he signs with Strikeforce I hope the fans boo his ass and then in turn Overeem beats the crap out of him. I have lost alot of respect for Fedor an M-1. I almost want to go whoop his ass, hahaha but I am a little smarter than that.
and just to say to Blue and Shaun
ReplyDeleteif you really think Fedor is ducking competition than you are both fucking morons and i am tired to listen this shit about Fedor over and over again,because only real problem here is that everybody thinks that Fedor needs UFC.
Well he does not,UFC is not that big , maybe in USA but in Europe UFC is not that big.Only reason UFC
in Germany was success is Cro-Cop 50% of al fans were Croats,if Cro-Cop was not on the card it would be a disaster.
Milko my man but no disrespect, but you are wrong to say Fedor doesn't need the UFC. My friend that is where the money is do you have any idea how much lettuce that man will make if he were to fight Brock Lesnar, Randy Couture or even Frank Mir? Dude he would make some serious green. UFC may not be as big in Europe as it is in the US i agree with that. But they do not need the European fighters to have a good draw in the European UFC shows. I gurantee there is not one MMA fan on the planet that would pass up an oppurtunity to see ANY UFC event regardless who is fighting.
ReplyDeleteFedor does need UFC and it's only a matter of time before he and his management team realizes that. Mark the words of The Cody.
Fedor does NOT need the UFC. Sure he has fought some cans, but most of his fights were against Top 5 or 10 guys in the division at the time, and he destroyed them. What Tim or Andrei did after losing to Fedor is irrelevant, what a ridiculous argument to say Tim and Andrei sucked when these two were the UFC HW division for years!
ReplyDeleteAnyone who says Fedor is ducking anyone has either not watched any Pride back in the day when all he did was fight the best (Nog, Mirko, etc)or is a complete moron.
Does Fedor need the money? LMAO no he doesnt he has made more than enough in Japan and thru Affliction.
Blame his management if anyone but to blame Fedor is absurd. There is obviously much more behind the scenes that none of knows about.
And I quote "Sure he has fought some cans, but most of his fights were against Top 5 or 10 guys in the division at the time, and he destroyed them. What Tim or Andrei did after losing to Fedor is irrelevant, what a ridiculous argument to say Tim and Andrei sucked when these two were the UFC HW division for years!
ReplyDelete" -- Anonymous
Where to begin? How about we start with the fact that when Tim and Arlovski were ruling the UFC heavyweight competition, they fought such MMA legends as: Paul Buentello, Gan McGee, Justin Eilers and freaking Jeff Monson. It's not like these two guys were beating the elite of the heavyweights at the time because those guys were in Pride.
And to Milko, I don't know how you do things in mother Russia, but the next time you want to tell me you think I'm wrong, a simple "Oh I disagree" would suffice. You think Fedor doesn't need the UFC to be the best in the world because the UFC isn't that big overseas? That would be like some guy playing soccer in the MLS claiming to be the best soccer player in the world, but when the Premier League comes calling, he politely declines and hangs around with the has-beens and never-weres. Sorry about the soccer analogy, I almost put myself to sleep writing it.
As much as I think its pussy to leave anonymous comments, I could not agree more. All these "Fedor is ducking/stupid/etc commenters" alt+tab back to your youporn because your comments are mean less then the stain on your happy sock.
ReplyDeleteFar be it for me to argue with a guy who runs a website called mmaratings.net, but I don't really think you should be so dismissive. So do me a favor and quit looking for snappy one liners and back up your opinion. You think Fedor is the #1 fighter in the world and I respect that opinion. I don't agree with it, but I respect it.
ReplyDeleteI said he seemed to be ducking competition, and if this offer is correct and he signs somewhere else, how can you perceive it as anything but ducking? His people claim he's the best in the world, now step up and fight the best in the world instead of Korean giants and rotund Brazillians who look like real life versions of King Hippo.
I guess my opinion will echo most.. but saying Fedor needs UFC is just dumb... saying UFC needs Fedor is again, just dumb... its like saying, Oprah needs to sell another book!! UFC will still dominate without Fedor, and Fedor will still be wealthy and famous in strikeforce or Dream or wherever he goes!!
ReplyDeleteI just dont know about Fedor's competitive drive... because seriously.. what is the real deal here? Is his life being threatend if he leaves his promotion now?? Because if it isnt, then I dont know why he wouldnt fire them, and hire someone else!! If Fedor wants to fight the best, well he knows thats UFC...if Fedor is broke and needs money...I think 5 Million a fight would help pay some bills... and feed his family (though not sure if that would feed Latrell Sprewell's family..)
Going to the UFC would just fill his competitive drive and let him see where he stands with the best heavyweights in the world! Not going to the UFC just shows he is fine with not fighting the best competition... it would be like Kobe playing ball in Greece.. just because... that makes no sense.. So for Fedor not to go to UFC is strickly an error on his promoters.. not Fedor.. and if Fedor wants top competition, he needs to move on from them and sign with some other agent and go to the UFC...
But Shaun, I was so happy with that snappy one liner :-D
ReplyDeleteI really agree with no name that "There is obviously much more behind the scenes that none of knows about"
Here's some considerations I think are very relevant:
- Fedor's management are their own promotion. They're not looking at what Fedor can make per fight. They are looking at what they can make in the long run as a promotion in their own right.
- The UFC's lucrative offer becomes a one fight deal should Lesnar neutralize him for five rounds.
- It's unrealistic to think a fighter's competitive drive takes priority over making reasonable business decisions, and its quite possible that fighting outside the UFC could be the best business decision.
- If Fedor passes on the UFC offer, he could potentially fight with Strikeforce, Dream AND Sengoku. He could get paid very well, have no exclusive contracts fight more often, AND make some co-promotion headway for M-1 Global.
- Fedor and M-1 might be more reluctant to make deals with an organization who's figurehead has publically insulted them on numerous occassions.
My conclusion, again, is that there's a lot to consider and we don't have all the facts. Its reasonable and fun to spectulate, but that's all it is.
I don't care if the guy NEEDS the money. WHY WOULD YOU NOT TAKE THAT MONEY!??!?!?
ReplyDeleteESPECIALLY if your dumbass runs around claiming you are the best in every promotion in the world.
He runs around letting everyone call him the best MMA fighter in the world. Well he just got offered more money than any athlete in teh history of the world to prove it....and said no.
WHAT THE @%&$!*!!!!!????
If you are THAT badass and the best in the world WHY NOT TAKE THAT MUCH MONEY!??!?!?
If you can beat anyone and go anywhere, why not take the most amount of money and go to the most famous promotion and beat the most famous champion and get the most sponsors and actually legitimize all the talk?
Why would you stand around saying I am the best and I will beat everyone and then turn down the most money in the history of sports?
It just doesn't make sense. Why would you do that? I mean is the sport all about money?
IF SO TAKE THE MONEY.
Is the sport all about being the best and fighting the best competition?
IF SO GO TO THE UFC. There is no better competition ANYWHERE. NO WHERE.
You can argue all you want but outside of the UFC you have how many good top level guys right now? 10 maybe in the entire world?
I mean come on. it's not just about the money. It's not JUST about the UFC. It's not JUST about the level of competition and bragging rights.
but it IS about all if it added up together.
COME ON.
Blue, I think I addressed a lot of the things you just mentioned, but maybe I was too long-winded, so I can understand if you didn't actually read what I wrote.
ReplyDeleteBut my question for you and anyone else is, when did Fedor ever say "I am the best and I will beat everyone"?!?!
I know the answer to that question.
"He runs around letting everyone call him the best MMA fighter in the world..." well that just says it all.
That is a sweet ass deal for both Fedor AND M-1! M-1 needs to get their heads out their asses, and see that this is a great deal.. and practically a "co-promotion" if they can get their logos everywhere. Fedor says that he trusts his management.. well, his management isn't looking out for the best possible deal for Fedor... they are being greedy and trying to piggy back on the UFC. Are they THAT stupid!!??
ReplyDeleteTake the deal, and sponsor Fedor, through your logos everywhere, and see if you can get other fighters to sponsor on that same event.. it would be like a co-promotion! M-1 is going to ruin themselves.. especially after Fedor retires.
It doesn't take a genius: http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/m-1-fedor-not-offered-30-million-18816
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Fedors-Manager-Vadim-Finkelchtein-speaks.html
ReplyDeleteAnd there you have it folks, the Russian Scott Boras says that Fedor is a money making property for M-1.
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of people don't share my viewpoint, but I firmly believe Fedor needs to fight in the UFC to be considered the greatest fighter in the world. Are all of the best fighters in the world currently in the UFC, no they aren't. But there are 3-4 guys in the UFC that Fedor has to beat IMO to be considered the best in the world. He needs to wipe out a division like GSP has done.
The UFC is the measuring stick these days in MMA. Guys like Aoki and Fedor can wipe out Japan, but if they retire and never fight in the UFC, there will always be the argument of "Well they never fought in the octagon" and it will plague them forever.
I think you're right, Shaun. The court of public opinion feels he has some work ahead of him for him to be the definitive #1 HW - no doubt about it. Eric Kamander said it best in that Fedor has never claimed to be the best. He has beaten some of the best in the world while in Pride, but that was then and this is now. And during that time to the present, Fedor has never claimed to be anything other than a hard-working fighter.
ReplyDeleteJason Lee said another good point about Fedor trusting M-1. It appears that M-1 is looking out for M-1 and Fedor is just going with their program.
MMA fans (all of us being among them) are just hoping Fedor finds his way to the UFC, in spite of M-1 doing everything in their power to screw it up.
Chris Fries
TLOS
For the record The Cody doesn't believe that Fedor is ducking anyone, I simply said it kind of looks that way. Fedor can easily tell M-1 to kiss his ass and he is doing what he wants to do and you think M-1 will simply not listen? BS.
ReplyDeleteBut I stick with my guns by saying that Fedor DOES need the UFC. Simply because if he keeps on fighting in the less popular MMA organazations such as Strikeforce, Sengoku, Dream etc. His name will be dragged through the mud because Alistair Overeem is the only legitiment fighter he will face outside the UFC that has the chance to beat him, other than that he will be fighting "give-me" fights that he will no doubt win.
After a few fights people will slowly forget about his dominant days in PRIDE because he isn't fighting any challenges he is fighting second rate fighters, period. I would never say Fedor is ducking anyone, what the hell for? I'm just saying it almost looks like he is to me. But who are we to judge we are not in the negotiation room.
You know The Cody is all about fighting on the internet (right Kamander) but dude's to sit there and bash each other over something NO ONE not even The Cody knows for sure, you might as well stick a DUNCE cap on your head and say DUR!
Everyone makes great points, Of course I think I'm right but hey thats just me. But like I said before I would be willing to be ANYTHING Fedor eventually will fight in the UFC maybe not this year or next year but one day...he will have no choice and neither will Douche-1 global.
Cody you know I love you like a brother, but isn't it presumptuous to say what Fedor needs? What does he need the UFC for?
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm being too literal. Do you mean Fedor needs the UFC IF he wants to maintain his status as the consensus ranked #1 heavyweight? Or IF he wants to make a certain amount of money? Or IF he wants to achieve a certain amount of fame.
I'm saying what is the qualifier by which he needs the UFC.
It seems to me that if he doesn't sign with the UFC and he fights the opponents available to him outside of the UFC, he will be perfectly happy.
M-1 global puts on a lot of events outside of the states.
Keep in mind, according to FiveKnuckles Fedor is a partial owner of M-1 Global. Doesn't that explain why he's down with the co-promotion prerequisite?
I think a lot of people are imputing motives and ambitions onto Fedor that he himself may not share. In interviews he's never said he's the best HW in the world, as mentioned before by Eric Nor has he ever made it a goal to set himself up as such, at least to my knowledge. He said he fights one fight at a time for the glory of god and for the pride of his Russian homeland. There's no mention of money or titles, apart from providing for his family. That may seem trite and you could choose to disbelieve it but it could be true and it's just by circumstance he's ended up being considered one of the best P4P fighters in the world.
ReplyDeleteMoney, contracts & even titles are M1's jurisdiction I think. I worked in Moscow for a short time a few years ago and negotiating with the average Russian is like negotiating with a brick wall to move out of your way. Fedor seems loyal to M1, maybe through national loyalty; M1 set 'em up and Fedor knocks 'em over. This may sound rather harsh on Fedor because he's a smart guy, but the analogy that comes to mind is Fedor is George to M1's conniving Lenny.
It may sound irrational but I'm not sure Fedor cares what his legacy will be or if we consider him the greatest HW in the world. Keep in mind that he takes as much pride in participating in sambo comps representing Russia (or spooning contests as the JDH calls them :) as fighting MMA for big money.
He's an enigma and that's why we're all fascinated by him.
I see what you mean Kamander, but I just think as a fighter Fedor would need the UFC. Because can you really call him the best Heavyweight in the world if he doesn't fight n defeat the others that are in the top ten?
ReplyDeleteIf Fedor just wants to fight and not be known as the best then I think he should let it be known, but when you are considered to be one of the best pound 4 pound fighters on the planet I think you need to fight the best competition. And I think everyone can agree the competition (with the exception of Overeem) is in the UFC.
Fedor doesn't NEED money, my point was wealthy or not who wouldn't want to make 30 million dollars doing something you love? I mean Kamander would you turn down 30 million dollars to give your thoughts and ratings of other fighters on another website besides mmaratings.net? I don't think you would.
If Fedor is just interesting in fighting and not being known as the best, then sure he can fight wherever he wants. But though he has never said it himself, Fedor is considered the best Heavyweight in the world for good reason and I think he needs to live up to that monacre and fight the best fighters.
This is the Best deal that the UFC has offered ANYONE period! Not only is the money unprecedented but so is UFC allowing Fedor to wear M-1 logos. I only remember a fighter wearing a Pancrase t-shirt back in the old days but I have never seen a fighter wearing logos of another organisation in the UFC during this decade. The UFC has comprised as much as it possibly can without losing credibility, now it’s time for M-1 to compromise.
ReplyDeleteFedor could perhaps do a fight or two in Strikeforce but their heavyweight division is not exactly stacked, so I see Fedor moving between Strikeforce and DREAM fighting subpar competition until he retires, which is unfortunate to say the least. People have been saying that Fedor does not need the UFC, I have to disagree. I am sure he can make as much money as he could ever spend without the UFC, but he needs to be fighting the top competition to remain the number 1 ranked fighter, you are only the best if you are beating the best. It was different when he was in Pride and to some extent Affliction but now he needs to go to the UFC.
My message to M-1, “let go of my man’s balls and let him fight in the UFC!”
In a co-promotion between UFC and M1-global UFC stands to gain very little while M1-global will cash in on UFC’s goodwill.
ReplyDeleteFedor/Vadim is a perfect example of why a promoter should not be your agent. Granted, there is no possible way of any of us knowing or disproving whether Vadim has Fedor's best interests in mind, but to me his actions clearly articulate his primary motive -- which is to internationalise and promote M1-global through his iconic pawn Fedor.
I am sorry Kamander I don't see your "long winded post".
ReplyDelete"As much as I think its pussy to leave anonymous comments, I could not agree more. All these "Fedor is ducking/stupid/etc commenters" alt+tab back to your youporn because your comments are mean less then the stain on your happy sock."
I only see this post.
What post are you refering to?
I will definitely concede your point that he has never stated he is the best and he doesn't "need" the UFC. My whole thing is that it just seems crazy and weird to most people who see this whole situation that he is turning it down.
ReplyDeleteIt just seems weird to everyone except Eric.
Astro makes a good point though. What can a fighter do when he is stuck in contracts with a promotion.
I guess that's the whole thing.
It still seems to me they don't want to lose their cash cow and lose control of what is going on.
I guess I will stop blaming him and start blaming M1.
For Shaun:
ReplyDeleteAnd I quote:
"It's not like these two guys were beating the elite of the heavyweights at the time because those guys were in Pride."-Shaun
LMAO - And Fedor was destroying those Pride elite!!!Thanks for making my point!
Blue, my long winded post started: "But Shaun, I was so happy with that snappy one liner :-D" - and speaking, thanks for repeating my snappy one-liner.
ReplyDeleteI think one thing that people are over looking, or making assumptions about is the relationship between Fedor and M-1. My understanding is that Fedor is a partner in the promotion. Therefore he has a lot to gain for M-1's long term success.
Isn't that what we see in boxing where you have guys that have their own promotion and every fight is a co-promotion?
I'm not saying its not a sucky situation for fans. I want to see Fedor fight Lesnar, Couture, Mir, etc. as much as anyone.
I just don't think I should make assumptions about what someone else's values SHOULD be.
If Fedor only fights scrubs, and someone in the UFC is considered to be cleaning out the top levels of the heavyweight division, then eventually we'll see Fedor lose his #1 spot in the rankings.
Oh Anonymous, you certainly have put me in my place. Decision victories over Nogueira and Cro Cop is sure what I consider destroying. Or did you mean the elite were guys like a fat Mark Hunt, a broke-ass Gary Goodridge or a 40 year old Mark Coleman?
ReplyDeleteIt was mentioned in the latest episode of TLOS, Fedor hasn't fought anyone of consequence since he fought Cro-Cop, FOUR freaking years ago.
Decisions that were still dominating. Man what will it take for you to realize Fedor is the man who has beaten everyone.
ReplyDeleteIf Fedor is not the number 1 HW then who is?
And again , to say Arlovski and Tim are of no consequence is delusional when every MMA site had them top 10 until Fedor beat them.
Oh, and you called them elite, not me. Lol man you are too easy.
ReplyDelete"Man what will it take for you to realize Fedor is the man who has beaten everyone."
ReplyDeleteIt's simple really. Go to the UFC and do it. Beat Mir, Lesnar, Couture and then he will truly be the man who has beaten everyone. Not the man who has beaten a couple of them then fought a bunch of carneys.
Again, 4 years ago Fedor was fighting the best in the world and he beat them. It's hard to argue something that's true. But as was stated above, that was then and this is now. There are a crop of heavyweights right now, and out of the top 9 in the world (excluding Fedor), how many has he fought? According to the latest ratings I see, he's fought 2 of them. I could argue that one of those 2 (Arlovski) doesn't deserve top 10 status, but that's for another day.
Now for the twist, Fedor probably has to still be considered the #1 HW in the world by default because a guy like Lesnar doesn't have enough fights under his belt and Mir is coming off a brutal loss.
Fedor is living on reputation alone in 2009, and some people have seen the light, but some, like anonymous choose to still swing from his nuts. If he shows up in the UFC (which is now probably not an option) that pretty little record will have a 2nd loss attached to it, I have no doubts in my mind.
Beat 45 year old Couture, a highly overrated Mir and a green Lesnar and that will prove it? :)ok.Lets say he does that. Here is what you will hear-Couture is old and washed up so that didnt mean anything. Mir was always overated and only top 10 because he beat an injured Nog so of course fedor should win. And if he beats Lesnar? Well Lesnar is still new so that doesnt matter either. fedor cannot win in the minds of people like you. so lets agree to disagree. We all want to see him in the UFC because we want to see him fight more. But Fedor overated? Will never be convinced of that.
ReplyDeleteWhen he was fighting Lindland, HMC etc I could argue his status should drop basically due to "inactivity" against top HW's. But noone can look at the 30 sec sub of Tim and the brutal KO of Arlovski and still say that. Again Tim and Andrei I believe were both top 5 up until 2 years ago.
Anyways Shaun, its been fun, but Anonymous here is out! Everyone is entitled to opinions! Take it easy and lets hope we see Fedor in the UFC.
Aleksander Emelianenko: "Vadim Finkelstein uses Fedor for his own business projects."
ReplyDeleteIn regards to strict terms of UFC contract, we asked Aleksander Emelianenko to comment:
"You can deal with UFC, I know that they have flexible contract system. All these talks about "strict" contract terms with signing with UFC, come ONLY from Vadim Finkelstein, who wants to push his owns business projects through Fedor's fights"
Aleksander Emelianenko in his interview for Sports.ru
There we go boys, nobody knows it better than Alex.
source (Russian only): http://www.sports.ru/boxing/mma/20955986.html
Credit (English Translation): http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f2/aleksander-emelianenko-vadim-finkelstein-uses-fedor-his-own-business-projects-1021702/
aw ok. That would be a situation that makes sense, Eric.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard that from anyone else. But that would make sense on why he is such a bitch for M1.
Thanks for reposting that.