M-1 Global maintains stance on UFC co-promotion
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M-1 Global maintains stance on UFC co-promotion
emfleek
7/27/09 2:12:24PM
Fedor Emelianenko will be available to fight for the UFC – but only through a co-promotion, M-1 Global maintains.
Following the collapse of Affliction on Friday and as the result, the cancellation of Fedor’s next fight, M-1 Global on its website Sunday singled out the UFC to potentially foster a renewal of negotiations.
STORY
Following the collapse of Affliction on Friday and as the result, the cancellation of Fedor’s next fight, M-1 Global on its website Sunday singled out the UFC to potentially foster a renewal of negotiations.
STORY
joshryanshepherd
7/27/09 2:33:36PM
I hate you M1-Global, i seriously do
grappler0000
7/27/09 2:49:24PM
If the UFC is willing to bend, then so should Fedor's management...if they aren't willing to give up the co-promotion, I honestly don't see the deal ever happening. This deal should be about what's best for the UFC and Fedor...unfortunately, it's turning into what's best for M-1.
finnish_line
7/27/09 2:52:05PM
Damn Russian *****.
For the record, the word that was censored was m a f i a. I can't believe that's banned.
loller90278
7/27/09 3:11:12PM
*****
Kpro
7/27/09 3:17:00PM
Do they think they're negotiating with BoDog or something ?
McBee
7/27/09 3:30:03PM
It is not as bad as building them a stadium in Moscow, but it is just as improbable.
I have maintained from the beginning that people should be pissed at Fedor's manager Finkle-retard instead of Dana for this not happening.
*****
I have maintained from the beginning that people should be pissed at Fedor's manager Finkle-retard instead of Dana for this not happening.
*****
SmileR
7/27/09 3:33:20PM
Fedor has got to realize that being with M1 is now tarnishing his legacy.
I honestly believe he could take the belt from Brock and cement his place as the greatest MMA fighter of all time with out any shadow of a argument from anyone if he signed with the UFC.
Without doing so he's only technically beaten past champs who have been dethrone by who ever has belt in the future. Dana and many others have already stated that and the argument will always be around when people mention him in years to come when all the belts he held will be forgotten.
Fedor at this point has everything to lose and nothing to gain staying in his contract with M1. Especially when the Fertitta's and Dana have openly said they are willing to compromise on the sambo tournaments. After all the back and forth between M1 and the UFC its becoming more and more apparent that M1 are the ones incapable of negotiations and flexibility while while arguably MMA's greatest ever fighter rots fighting in many peoples words has beens and freaks!
I hope Fedor realizes this and cuts his ties with them. 10 years from now I honestly see the UFC being on par with the NFL and NBA, but thats the UFC as a company not MMA as a sport.
In years to come Fedor might be forgotten because of the simple fact that he never actually fought a current UFC champion.
I honestly believe he could take the belt from Brock and cement his place as the greatest MMA fighter of all time with out any shadow of a argument from anyone if he signed with the UFC.
Without doing so he's only technically beaten past champs who have been dethrone by who ever has belt in the future. Dana and many others have already stated that and the argument will always be around when people mention him in years to come when all the belts he held will be forgotten.
Fedor at this point has everything to lose and nothing to gain staying in his contract with M1. Especially when the Fertitta's and Dana have openly said they are willing to compromise on the sambo tournaments. After all the back and forth between M1 and the UFC its becoming more and more apparent that M1 are the ones incapable of negotiations and flexibility while while arguably MMA's greatest ever fighter rots fighting in many peoples words has beens and freaks!
I hope Fedor realizes this and cuts his ties with them. 10 years from now I honestly see the UFC being on par with the NFL and NBA, but thats the UFC as a company not MMA as a sport.
In years to come Fedor might be forgotten because of the simple fact that he never actually fought a current UFC champion.
The-Don
7/27/09 4:29:45PM
Posted by grappler0000
If the UFC is willing to bend, then so should Fedor's management...if they aren't willing to give up the co-promotion, I honestly don't see the deal ever happening. This deal should be about what's best for the UFC and Fedor...unfortunately, it's turning into what's best for M-1.
I have to disagree.. while disappointed.. Why is it about whats best for the UFC.. its about whats best for FEdor.. Period
McBee
7/27/09 4:36:44PM
Posted by The-Don
Posted by grappler0000
If the UFC is willing to bend, then so should Fedor's management...if they aren't willing to give up the co-promotion, I honestly don't see the deal ever happening. This deal should be about what's best for the UFC and Fedor...unfortunately, it's turning into what's best for M-1.
I have to disagree.. while disappointed.. Why is it about whats best for the UFC.. its about whats best for FEdor.. Period
not fighting for as much money in Dream or Strikeforce or not fighting at all is worse for Fedor and that is what he might get if he stays on the M-1 train
Aether
7/27/09 4:42:05PM
OK well enjoy your continued partnerships with bankrupt companies while trying to use your fighter to establish your failure of a company.
Dear Vadim: You are a terrible businessman. Please stop. Find a new job.
Dear Vadim: You are a terrible businessman. Please stop. Find a new job.
scobac
7/27/09 4:43:59PM
Posted by The-Don
Posted by grappler0000
If the UFC is willing to bend, then so should Fedor's management...if they aren't willing to give up the co-promotion, I honestly don't see the deal ever happening. This deal should be about what's best for the UFC and Fedor...unfortunately, it's turning into what's best for M-1.
I have to disagree.. while disappointed.. Why is it about whats best for the UFC.. its about whats best for FEdor.. Period
Fedor and the UFC are supposed to be the two parties involved and both should benefit, M-1 is nothing more than a third wheel(putting it nicely) and dont deserve anything from this.
Aether
7/27/09 4:55:28PM
This is like the equivalent of a Football player's manager saying to a franchise "yeah look, you can sign our player, but only if you invest in this team that I'm building for myself." It's insane.
SmileR
7/27/09 4:58:07PM
Posted by The-Don
I have to disagree.. while disappointed.. Why is it about whats best for the UFC.. its about whats best for FEdor.. Period
Fedor has very little options outside the UFC though. He could fight for Strikeforce and beat everyone, but it does little or nothing to his legacy and I doubt they could afford to have him fight without crippling themselves financially.
He could go and fight for Dream but their heavyweight devision is so weak it'd offer less competition than Strikeforce.
Their is hardly anyone left for him to fight outside the UFC, their isn't even anyone worth mentioning other than Barnett because he's either beat them or they have no business in the ring with him.
UFC have basically secured all the up and coming HW's with the new TUF and without the prospect of up and comers to fight it leaves basically no one.
Even the Barnett fight has lost its shine in all the controversy over his test results.
M1 needs to face facts if they truly want what's best for Fedor they'd forget the co-promotion and allow Fedor to face the best the world has to offer and cement his legacy.
Financially and opponent wise the UFC is the smart choice and everyone should just accept this.
What this boils down to is the fact that M1 and particularly the management surrounding Fedor want to make as much as they can off him before his time at the top ends.
If their was a sticking point about his fight purse,level of competition, training restrictions, sambo competition, PPV royalties or even his likeness for the games I'd have a more sympathetic out look for Fedor and M1.
But this boils down to the fact that his management are greedy. If Fedor can't see that then I'm honestly shocked and if he can and wont do anything about it then I'm disappointed for him and all the fans that want to see him fighting the best the world has to offer.
The-Don
7/27/09 5:16:06PM
Posted by SmileR
Posted by The-Don
I have to disagree.. while disappointed.. Why is it about whats best for the UFC.. its about whats best for FEdor.. Period
Fedor has very little options outside the UFC though. He could fight for Strikeforce and beat everyone, but it does little or nothing to his legacy and I doubt they could afford to have him fight without crippling themselves financially.
He could go and fight for Dream but their heavyweight devision is so weak it'd offer less competition than Strikeforce.
Their is hardly anyone left for him to fight outside the UFC, their isn't even anyone worth mentioning other than Barnett because he's either beat them or they have no business in the ring with him.
UFC have basically secured all the up and coming HW's with the new TUF and without the prospect of up and comers to fight it leaves basically no one.
Even the Barnett fight has lost its shine in all the controversy over his test results.
M1 needs to face facts if they truly want what's best for Fedor they'd forget the co-promotion and allow Fedor to face the best the world has to offer and cement his legacy.
Financially and opponent wise the UFC is the smart choice and everyone should just accept this.
What this boils down to is the fact that M1 and particularly the management surrounding Fedor want to make as much as they can off him before his time at the top ends.
If their was a sticking point about his fight purse,level of competition, training restrictions, sambo competition, PPV royalties or even his likeness for the games I'd have a more sympathetic out look for Fedor and M1.
But this boils down to the fact that his management are greedy. If Fedor can't see that then I'm honestly shocked and if he can and wont do anything about it then I'm disappointed for him and all the fans that want to see him fighting the best the world has to offer.
True.. but I never said the UFC is not the best place for Fedor.. I agree the top competition is there.. But for Fedor it is about what is best for him.. not whats best for the UFC or M-1.. I will almost always side with the individual fighter.. Now true if Fedor really does want the best competition he will do what he can to get into the UFC.. But the UFC will have to make some concessions as well..
I am sure Fedor can retire and never have to worry again about money.. take it or leave it it would be hard to argue he did not go out on top.. no matter the champion there will always be some what if's out there..
Fedor does need to find a way to break from M-1 they are dragging him down.. But The UFC needs to give to Fedor some as well.. they need to find some middle ground.
StorminYourman
7/27/09 5:33:50PM
I do not think I ever watched a M1 only show.
They are not big leagues.
No need for crsoo promotion in my mind.
As a Fedor fan and defender I think he needs to step up and get new managment.
They are not big leagues.
No need for crsoo promotion in my mind.
As a Fedor fan and defender I think he needs to step up and get new managment.
Aether
7/27/09 5:37:45PM
I think from Fedor's perspective this is a lifelong friend and business partner so he probably trusts him completely and wants to help him. Everything I've read from him says that he basically doesn't touch the managing side of his career because he trusts these guys completely.
In the long run, if Fedor truly doesn't care about cementing his legacy I guess it's not bad for him at all to not sign with the UFC, it's just bad for us as the fans.
In the long run, if Fedor truly doesn't care about cementing his legacy I guess it's not bad for him at all to not sign with the UFC, it's just bad for us as the fans.
slapshot
7/27/09 5:54:15PM
Posted by grappler0000
If the UFC is willing to bend, then so should Fedor's management...if they aren't willing to give up the co-promotion, I honestly don't see the deal ever happening. This deal should be about what's best for the UFC and Fedor...unfortunately, it's turning into what's best for M-1.
I never saw it happening in the first place, people keep getting sucked in and hoping it will happen and I just dont care enough anymore to be that gullible.
telnights
7/27/09 7:29:30PM
M-1 Global President and Fedor's Manager Vadim Finkelchtein.
That says it all right there. You cant own a promotion and be a manager without having a huge conflict of interest.
Vadim Finkelchtein acts as if they have changed their demands and are willing to negotiate. But the fact is he isn't willing to negotiate at all. He knows full well that the UFC will never co-promote M-1. So he doesn't want to negotiate at all he just doesn't want to seam like the bad guy and wants to lay the blame on the UFC when they cant sign Fedor. It just like the first time around when Fedor's managers tried to say it was the fact of not letting Fedor fight in Sambo. But both Dana and Lorenzo said that was never a big issue at all and were willing to work around it. Dana and Lorenzo have also both said the main issue had nothing to do with Sambo but everything to do with some of their crazy demands. Like co-promoting M-1, picking up the hole Red Devil team, and building a stadium in Russia. All of these aren't for Fedor but for his management. Fighters don't need stadiums promotions do.
That says it all right there. You cant own a promotion and be a manager without having a huge conflict of interest.
Vadim Finkelchtein acts as if they have changed their demands and are willing to negotiate. But the fact is he isn't willing to negotiate at all. He knows full well that the UFC will never co-promote M-1. So he doesn't want to negotiate at all he just doesn't want to seam like the bad guy and wants to lay the blame on the UFC when they cant sign Fedor. It just like the first time around when Fedor's managers tried to say it was the fact of not letting Fedor fight in Sambo. But both Dana and Lorenzo said that was never a big issue at all and were willing to work around it. Dana and Lorenzo have also both said the main issue had nothing to do with Sambo but everything to do with some of their crazy demands. Like co-promoting M-1, picking up the hole Red Devil team, and building a stadium in Russia. All of these aren't for Fedor but for his management. Fighters don't need stadiums promotions do.
telnights
7/27/09 7:57:37PM
You know we have one thing that has really bugged me about this is "what does Fedor want?".
We keep hearing from Vadim Finkelchtein but nothing from Fedor about what he wants. I have a hard time buying that Vadim Finkelchtein demands are what Fedor wants.
We are left to make three choices here.
Fedor knows and doesn't care that much about fighting anymore or his legacy and doesn't mind his management taking advantage of him.
Or
Fedor is blind to the fact his management is using him to line their own pockets.
Or
Fedor or his management doesn't have the confidence in Fedor to be able to fight the top guys in the UFC that his fans do.
Now I have a hard time buying the last one myself. But no matter the reason its making Fedor look bad in the eyes of many. The true hardcore fans are starting to realize that the UFC isn't to blame here and this will do nothing but ended up hurting Fedor's image and legacy in the long run if it already hasn't.
We keep hearing from Vadim Finkelchtein but nothing from Fedor about what he wants. I have a hard time buying that Vadim Finkelchtein demands are what Fedor wants.
We are left to make three choices here.
Fedor knows and doesn't care that much about fighting anymore or his legacy and doesn't mind his management taking advantage of him.
Or
Fedor is blind to the fact his management is using him to line their own pockets.
Or
Fedor or his management doesn't have the confidence in Fedor to be able to fight the top guys in the UFC that his fans do.
Now I have a hard time buying the last one myself. But no matter the reason its making Fedor look bad in the eyes of many. The true hardcore fans are starting to realize that the UFC isn't to blame here and this will do nothing but ended up hurting Fedor's image and legacy in the long run if it already hasn't.
lohmann
7/27/09 8:02:16PM
M-1 Global is the business of Fedor Emelianenko; what's best for M-1 is probably best for the pockets of Fedor. When M-1 started, then President Monte Cox indicated that the centerpiece of what they can build their promotional organization around was Fedor. If a business starts primarily in order to capitalize on his fame, of course they are going to do their best to protect and capitalize on their investment.
I can not buy into the idea that Fedor is unaware of what M-1 is doing. The common conception that his management is playing him is hard to fathom; the man knows he can sever ties whenever he wants to, but instead he lets this company that basically runs on his status handle his business transactions for him.
Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White are not going to be able to bypass M-1.
I can not buy into the idea that Fedor is unaware of what M-1 is doing. The common conception that his management is playing him is hard to fathom; the man knows he can sever ties whenever he wants to, but instead he lets this company that basically runs on his status handle his business transactions for him.
Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White are not going to be able to bypass M-1.
Styles
7/27/09 8:07:48PM
Here is something I posted on another forums about this topic
Does anyone else think that UFC co-promting isn't such a bad idea at this point? UFC stands as being the biggest MMA org that their is, but lacks in one thing.... they need to start getting their name out there in Japan and start doing events there.
UFC can really use M-1 to their advantage here. M-1 could be the bridge between UFC and Japan. Co-promote a decent card filled with fight with guys trying to reach contendership or comeback from a loss. Bisbing, Guida and people like them for example. Make Fedor fight in Vegas and give him a tune-up fight first. In the contract, specify that if Fedor wins the fight, he gets a title shot. Also imply the championship clause meaning he will have to lose the belt to get out of the UFC. That would be a very smart thing for Dana to do. It locks Fedor up, opens oppurtunity in Japan and paves the way for UFC to be the only mainstream MMA org out there.
Co-promoting isn't such a bad thing. M-1 will be expecting the UFC to shoot down the co-promotion idea so that will catch them off gaurd and they will likely neglect the other facts.
Does anyone else think that UFC co-promting isn't such a bad idea at this point? UFC stands as being the biggest MMA org that their is, but lacks in one thing.... they need to start getting their name out there in Japan and start doing events there.
UFC can really use M-1 to their advantage here. M-1 could be the bridge between UFC and Japan. Co-promote a decent card filled with fight with guys trying to reach contendership or comeback from a loss. Bisbing, Guida and people like them for example. Make Fedor fight in Vegas and give him a tune-up fight first. In the contract, specify that if Fedor wins the fight, he gets a title shot. Also imply the championship clause meaning he will have to lose the belt to get out of the UFC. That would be a very smart thing for Dana to do. It locks Fedor up, opens oppurtunity in Japan and paves the way for UFC to be the only mainstream MMA org out there.
Co-promoting isn't such a bad thing. M-1 will be expecting the UFC to shoot down the co-promotion idea so that will catch them off gaurd and they will likely neglect the other facts.
Aether
7/27/09 8:42:53PM
the thing about all of that is the UFC does not need M-1 at all to do any of those things. M-1 would be gaining a lot and the UFC would be doing exactly the same thing with or without them. M-1 is also really not concerned about or popular in Japan. They are all about MMA in Russia which the UFC clearly does not care about.
Fact is M-1 has absolutely nothing to offer except Fedor, and a promoter should not be doubling as a manager, because he clearly isn't being managed by "Vadim the Manager" he's being managed by M-1 Global and used as a bargaining chip for their own benefit.
Fact is M-1 has absolutely nothing to offer except Fedor, and a promoter should not be doubling as a manager, because he clearly isn't being managed by "Vadim the Manager" he's being managed by M-1 Global and used as a bargaining chip for their own benefit.
telnights
7/27/09 9:24:15PM
Posted by Styles
Here is something I posted on another forums about this topic
Does anyone else think that UFC co-promting isn't such a bad idea at this point? UFC stands as being the biggest MMA org that their is, but lacks in one thing.... they need to start getting their name out there in Japan and start doing events there.
UFC can really use M-1 to their advantage here. M-1 could be the bridge between UFC and Japan. Co-promote a decent card filled with fight with guys trying to reach contendership or comeback from a loss. Bisbing, Guida and people like them for example. Make Fedor fight in Vegas and give him a tune-up fight first. In the contract, specify that if Fedor wins the fight, he gets a title shot. Also imply the championship clause meaning he will have to lose the belt to get out of the UFC. That would be a very smart thing for Dana to do. It locks Fedor up, opens oppurtunity in Japan and paves the way for UFC to be the only mainstream MMA org out there.
Co-promoting isn't such a bad thing. M-1 will be expecting the UFC to shoot down the co-promotion idea so that will catch them off gaurd and they will likely neglect the other facts.
M-1 isn't a big deal in Japan. M-1 also has no more pull in Japan than the UFC does. Now Dream has pull in Japan but M-1 doesn't own Dream and doesn't have any say over Dream's actions. Plus the UFC owns Pride which is a huge name in Japan. The problem isn't marketing to Japan its the fact that Japan has a very strong old boy network and if you don't have those connection you cant get in. M-1 hasn't really put many events other than sucking and leaching off other company's events.
jascri
7/27/09 10:00:56PM
I'll bet in ten years Fedor will be like, "Man, I should have went to the UFC and competed. I wonder if I really was the best fighter in the world?" Well, looks like we'll never know--unless Fedor loses his manager!
--Clock's ticking . . . .
--Clock's ticking . . . .
Styles
7/28/09 12:58:08AM
Posted by telnights
Posted by Styles
Here is something I posted on another forums about this topic
Does anyone else think that UFC co-promting isn't such a bad idea at this point? UFC stands as being the biggest MMA org that their is, but lacks in one thing.... they need to start getting their name out there in Japan and start doing events there.
UFC can really use M-1 to their advantage here. M-1 could be the bridge between UFC and Japan. Co-promote a decent card filled with fight with guys trying to reach contendership or comeback from a loss. Bisbing, Guida and people like them for example. Make Fedor fight in Vegas and give him a tune-up fight first. In the contract, specify that if Fedor wins the fight, he gets a title shot. Also imply the championship clause meaning he will have to lose the belt to get out of the UFC. That would be a very smart thing for Dana to do. It locks Fedor up, opens oppurtunity in Japan and paves the way for UFC to be the only mainstream MMA org out there.
Co-promoting isn't such a bad thing. M-1 will be expecting the UFC to shoot down the co-promotion idea so that will catch them off gaurd and they will likely neglect the other facts.
M-1 isn't a big deal in Japan. M-1 also has no more pull in Japan than the UFC does. Now Dream has pull in Japan but M-1 doesn't own Dream and doesn't have any say over Dream's actions. Plus the UFC owns Pride which is a huge name in Japan. The problem isn't marketing to Japan its the fact that Japan has a very strong old boy network and if you don't have those connection you cant get in. M-1 hasn't really put many events other than sucking and leaching off other company's events.
Ok, well why doesn't the UFC take advantage of the PRIDE name and bank off it? I dont see any real downside to it if PRIDE show could be booked in Japan. It seems to me atleast that Japan is the one big thing that the UFC is missing out on.
Aether
7/28/09 1:24:45AM
They will eventually, but I think they're trying to take it one step at a time. They've already taken quite a few steps over the last couple of years expanding into the UK, Canada, and Germany. Japan is an especially important market and I think they're going to want to do a lot of research before they jump in headfirst.
The point is though that M-1 has nothing to offer the UFC in these areas, so however they decide to do it, it will surely be without them.
The point is though that M-1 has nothing to offer the UFC in these areas, so however they decide to do it, it will surely be without them.
telnights
7/28/09 3:12:52AM
Posted by Styles
Ok, well why doesn't the UFC take advantage of the PRIDE name and bank off it? I dont see any real downside to it if PRIDE show could be booked in Japan. It seems to me atleast that Japan is the one big thing that the UFC is missing out on.
Well the problem is like I said in my other post is Japan has a very strong old boy network. If your not part of it its almost impossible to do anything in Japan's market. Pride has a strong name with the people but a bad rep with the big company's because of its old ties to the Japanese *****. But don't think the UFC didn't try to work off of Pride name because they did they just couldn't get any TV deals done because of Prides past in Japan and the old boy network. Now that's not to say you wont see the UFC in Japan ever it just takes time.
Manfred
7/28/09 10:19:50AM
Posted by telnights
M-1 Global President and Fedor's Manager Vadim Finkelchtein.
That says it all right there. You cant own a promotion and be a manager without having a huge conflict of interest.
Fedor owns part of M-1 as well, which is a big part of the problem. Fedor said the last time they "negotiated" that his biggest problem is the Champions clause.
Locked in for life unless you lose the belt. Just ask Randy.
telnights
7/28/09 8:50:19PM
Posted by Manfred
Posted by telnights
M-1 Global President and Fedor's Manager Vadim Finkelchtein.
That says it all right there. You cant own a promotion and be a manager without having a huge conflict of interest.
Fedor owns part of M-1 as well, which is a big part of the problem. Fedor said the last time they "negotiated" that his biggest problem is the Champions clause.
Locked in for life unless you lose the belt. Just ask Randy.
Yeah I know he has a stake in M-1 but he doesn't have a conflict of interest like his manager does. Let me give you an example....When Zuffa bought the UFC Dana was the manager of Tito and Chuck. He went to them and said I'm now the head of the UFC and can no longer be your manager. That was the right thing to do. He didn't ask them to invest in the UFC or try to stay their manager.
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