ednesday, July 29, 2009
by Loretta Hunt (lhunt@sherdog.com)
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Fedor Emelianenko, the top-ranked heavyweight in the world, will not fight in the UFC unless Dana White and company agree to co-promote with Emelianenko’s partners at M-1 Global.
M-1 Global CEO Vadim Finkelstein made that clear Wednesday at a news conference. Finkelstein confirmed that M-1 Global had negotiated with UFC officials as recently as Tuesday.
“We are open,” Finkelstein said. “We do want to work with the UFC. We do want to work with other promotions.”
Finkelstein said the UFC made a new offer to Emelianenko, and M-1 Global made a counteroffer. However, Finkelstein said Emeliananko would not proceed without a co-promotional effort between M-1 and the UFC where they shared expenses and profits.
Finkelstein also communicated that the UFC's representation in the media of his negotiations with the organization has not been accurate. He said Emelianenko has been made completely aware of any deals, past and present, that have been offered.
“I have 100 percent faith in Vadim and M-1 Global," Emelianenko said.
M-1 Global also pressured the UFC by saying they are in talks with other shows, including Strikeforce.
“We're not going to wait,” Finkelstein said. “We have to move forward. It might be that very soon we will be able to announce a deal with another promotion. I'm going to tell you that we're only going to work under co-promotion conditions.”
Other notes
• In addition to Strikeforce, Finkelstein confirmed that M-1 Global is in negotiations with a “few other companies." Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker was present at the conference in the audience.
• Gegard Mousasi will leave Sunday and prepare one week in Holland before returning to the U.S. for his light heavyweight title bout against Renato “Babalu” Sobral at Strikeforce “Carano vs. Cyborg” on Aug. 15 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
• M-1 Global suggested it could take legal action against Affliction regarding the cancellation of the Aug. 1 event. "We're exploring all options at this time, legally, with regard to Affliction and what we believe took place," said Mark Hines, attorney for M-1 Global and Emelianenko. "We're not prepared to say where we're going to go with this, but I can promise you and I can promise Affliction that if something was done wrong, somebody will be held responsible."
Joe Hall contributed to this report, which was updated at 6:05 p.m. ET with additional notes.
by Loretta Hunt (lhunt@sherdog.com)
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Fedor Emelianenko, the top-ranked heavyweight in the world, will not fight in the UFC unless Dana White and company agree to co-promote with Emelianenko’s partners at M-1 Global.
M-1 Global CEO Vadim Finkelstein made that clear Wednesday at a news conference. Finkelstein confirmed that M-1 Global had negotiated with UFC officials as recently as Tuesday.
“We are open,” Finkelstein said. “We do want to work with the UFC. We do want to work with other promotions.”
Finkelstein said the UFC made a new offer to Emelianenko, and M-1 Global made a counteroffer. However, Finkelstein said Emeliananko would not proceed without a co-promotional effort between M-1 and the UFC where they shared expenses and profits.
Finkelstein also communicated that the UFC's representation in the media of his negotiations with the organization has not been accurate. He said Emelianenko has been made completely aware of any deals, past and present, that have been offered.
“I have 100 percent faith in Vadim and M-1 Global," Emelianenko said.
M-1 Global also pressured the UFC by saying they are in talks with other shows, including Strikeforce.
“We're not going to wait,” Finkelstein said. “We have to move forward. It might be that very soon we will be able to announce a deal with another promotion. I'm going to tell you that we're only going to work under co-promotion conditions.”
Other notes
• In addition to Strikeforce, Finkelstein confirmed that M-1 Global is in negotiations with a “few other companies." Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker was present at the conference in the audience.
• Gegard Mousasi will leave Sunday and prepare one week in Holland before returning to the U.S. for his light heavyweight title bout against Renato “Babalu” Sobral at Strikeforce “Carano vs. Cyborg” on Aug. 15 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
• M-1 Global suggested it could take legal action against Affliction regarding the cancellation of the Aug. 1 event. "We're exploring all options at this time, legally, with regard to Affliction and what we believe took place," said Mark Hines, attorney for M-1 Global and Emelianenko. "We're not prepared to say where we're going to go with this, but I can promise you and I can promise Affliction that if something was done wrong, somebody will be held responsible."
Joe Hall contributed to this report, which was updated at 6:05 p.m. ET with additional notes.
