<Fedor Emelianenko signs with California-based Strikeforce, co-promotion with M1-Global
3 August 2009
3 Comments
The man many consider to be the best fighter in the world will now be fighting for California-based MMA promotion Strikeforce.
Russian heavyweight Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko has signed a multi-fight contract which includes co-promotion with M1-Global. This aspect of the deal is what broke down negotiations between the and UFC, earlier last week.
The following comments are what Strikeforce, Fedor and M1-Global have to say on the new agreement.
Emelianenko had the following comments to share on the new deal…
“I am looking forward to going back to work and fighting at the highest level. STRIKEFORCE is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world, I am prepared to fight any of them.”
- Strikeforce Founder and CEO Scott Coker had the following to say on the new deal…
“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with M-1 Global and Fedor. Fedor has been the reigning king of MMA’s heavyweight division for quite some time now so being able to work with M-1 and Fedor will substantially increase the level of competition amongst the athletes in this weight class.”
- Vadim Finkelchtein, President of M-1 Global is also pleased with the deal…
“I am very happy and excited about the upcoming collaboration with Strikeforce. We are very pleased that we found a reliable partner and I feel that Strikeforce and M-1 can support each other on many things. This will create big opportunities for both parties to test their fighters against worthy opponents.”
This is so sad, now the questions will never be answered. In my opinion Fedor is nearing the end of his prime (or is already past). I totally understand his desire to strengthen himself and his family financially for the long run but I’m disappointed that he isn’t concerned with his legacy.
Oh on another note, eventually the UFC really should become open to co-promoting if Dana White really is at all sincere about putting on the “best” fights possible for the fans.
Well, I cannot blame the UFC at all for not co-promoting. M1-Global brings nothing to the table for the UFC’s advancement as a business. Additionally, UFC offered Fedor the ability to wear as much M1 logo-branded gear during a fight as he wanted to, essentially co-promoting outside of profit sharing. In the end, I’ll look forward to seeing Fedor fight in Strikeforce, but know that he should really be in the UFC.
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