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Fedor UFC rumours...AGAIN


Interesting article on CBS Sportsline talking about potential Fedor to the UFC rumours (AGAIN!) post Afflcition 3.

Some of the points make sense but I sure ain't getting my hopes up they've been crushed too many times.

Lorenzo Fertitta reiterated his desire to sign Fedor in an interview with Tatame in early March.  An encouraging sign, perhaps Fedor's management will be warm to him as opposed to dealing with Dana White.

Who knows!!

 

After Barnett fight, will Fedor jump to UFC?

Last week, Affliction and M-1 Global issued a string of press releases alerting the media to a pair of press conferences -- one to be held Wednesday in New York, and another on Thursday in Los Angeles -- "to announce 'Trilogy,' Fedor Emelianenko vs. Josh Barnett , on August 1 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA; Live on Pay-Per-View."

That quote is taken directly from one of the press releases, which begs the question: What's left to announce?

Beans-spilling press releases aside, the story here is that Emelianenko vs. Barnett is finally going to happen, not that Affliction is flying people all over the country to reveal that which has already been revealed.

Fedor Emelianenko Barnett (24-5-0) has been the second-best heavyweight on the Affliction roster since virtually day one. But due to a number of circumstances -- Tim Sylvia being available to fight Fedor last summer, Andrei Arlovski getting the honors for Affliction 2 -- he has never fought "The Last Emperor." Not even in Pride, where both men enjoyed lots of career success. At last, Barnett will get his shot at the man widely considered the best heavyweight MMA fighter on this planet.

For Fedor Emelianenko (30-1-0, 1 NC), Barnett not only represents the stiffest challenge possible among guys he hasn't fought yet, but he also may be his final worthwhile opponent outside of the UFC roster. Simply put: If Emelianenko beats Barnett on Aug. 1, there will be no more credible opponents for him in any promotion other than the UFC. And that's where things get truly interesting. Consider the following:

1) After Affliction's second PPV in January, speculation swirled that the company would only promote one more show -- tentatively scheduled for the summer, as "Affliction: Trilogy" is -- before bowing out of the MMA promotion business for good. But in a recent interview with MMA FanHouse's Ariel Helwani, Affliction COO Michael Cohen not only insisted that Affliction: Trilogy would not be the last event, but he promised a fourth, fifth and sixth show.

The trouble is, Emelianenko vs. Barnett is believed to be the last remaining fight on Emelianenko's Affliction contract. If that's the case, and if Emelianenko ends up running the table on Affliction's main event-worthy heavyweights, would it be financially viable for Affliction to re-up Emelianenko if the quality of his PPV opponents will go south? Spending big for a superstar fighter is only worthwhile if the profit outweighs the expenditure, and all indications are that Affliction hasn't yet figured out how to come out of its investments with a profit.

2) If Affliction does try to re-sign Emelianenko, there's a good chance it would be for a lot less money. In this economy, the decision may not even be up to Affliction anymore. They could be willing to pay him $1 million per fight -- hypothetically, of course -- but if they can't secure the financing to pull it off, will they be willing to pay Fedor out of pocket? If the UFC can match or beat Affliction's financial offer to Emelianenko, then the only remaining roadblock to him signing with the UFC would be the exclusivity issue. Which remains a potential deal-breaker for sure, but with Emelianenko running out of options and the UFC still wanting to book him, one or both sides could budge on their demands enough to meet somewhere close to the middle. The state of the MMA business and the world economy in general means that an Emelianenko-UFC negotiation might go a little differently today than it did in 2007 or 2008.

3) While it would take several major pieces falling into place for it to happen, an Emelianenko deal with the UFC might not be as far-fetched as some think. In a February interview with DreamFighters.com , Fedor said "Me and my management hope to get a chance to talk to Dana White in person in June to discuss a possible fight between me and Brock [Lesnar] ." Sure enough, on Sunday -- the last day of May -- Dana White was Twittering about having a "HUGE" meeting in Los Angeles the next day. "Insane for UFC fans if we get this done," he tweeted.

Then, in a video blog posted on YouTube on Tuesday, White mentioned the Kimbo Slice participation on The Ultimate Fighter , and followed up with this:

"Lorenzo [Fertitta] and I had a killer, killer meeting in Los Angeles today, and I was hoping I would be able to tell you about it today, but the way deals go, they take time," White said in the video. "So I can't tell you today, but I can tell you it was a great meeting and I'm feeling very confident that we're gonna get this deal done, and it's gonna literally change the UFC forever."

We know Emelianenko is in the U.S. this week. Could it be?

Wait -- let me rephrase that.

Who else could it possibly be?

 


The FanPosts are solely the subjective opinions of Bloody Elbow readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bloody Elbow editors or staff.

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Yup Again...

Although Dana said he had a great meeting in LA, Fedor was not in LA at the time, and is in New York right now. There was already a rumor that Fedor would meet with Dana and the UFC in June already.

All speculation again. Last time it was a Toy Deal with Jakks, or UFC Undisputed 2010 recently, so, we will see. Roy Jones in TUF? =)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 3:42 PM EDT reply actions  

I’m assuming the LA meeting was to bring the UFC to Los Angeles as has been the rumor for some time. I’m kind of hoping it’s something bigger. He did mention it would "change MMA forever", so I’m hoping for more.

Follow my analysis of all things MMA on BloodyElbow.com

by Leland Roling on Jun 3, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

He did mention it would “change MMA forever”, so I’m hoping for more.

The problem is that’s just how Dana talks. How many huge announcements have turned out to be nothing more than TUF coaching announcements or action figure lines? It’s hard to get to excited about Dana’s announcements until I hear something of substance.

by Andy R on Jun 3, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

Just about everyone

When is the last time Dana’s made a huge announcement that was any kind of news? Anything that is news is broke before Dana calls the press conference.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

This is true. But without any idea of what it could be, I tend to think its something they can keep a lid on, like signing Gina.

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Like explosive MW signing or Next Anderson Silva?
=)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

You pick the two times he hasn’t delivered and flog them. I’m simply too lazy right now to pull up the 100 things other organizations have promised and never delivered on.

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

The difference is other organizations make big promises and don’t deliver. Dana claims to make a huge announcement and it’s Chuck action figure doll.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Which would you rather have running your business?

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

mixed boxing and MMA cards were supposed to change MMA globally… or so affliction thought :)

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Roy Jones is making the dream come alive.
=)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

It depends at what forum he is speaking. On the vblogs, he doesn’t get amped about much. When he make a minor announcement to a larger audience he pumps it up a bit more. To people who follow the sport more closely he tones down the TUF coach announcements, but when he is on spike talking to people who have no idea, then he says its going to be big.

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

It’s not Fedor.

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, growing up as a child Kimbo Slice was never given any bread with his meals. This is why he insists people give him his bread."

by xFenixKnightx on Jun 3, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions  

Its Gina into the WEC.

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 3:59 PM EDT reply actions  

Yeah thats what I think. Thats probably why she hasn’t finalized the Strikeforce Cyborg fight.

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, growing up as a child Kimbo Slice was never given any bread with his meals. This is why he insists people give him his bread."

by xFenixKnightx on Jun 3, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Kim Couture just had an interview and said she was fighting in September since Gina was fighting in August against Cyborg, so, that is why I am skeptical on this.

Signs extension with Jakks and THQ??
Hahaha…

Explosive Middleweight and Next Anderson Silva revealed!
=)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Melvin Manhoef… he’s been mounted with a titanium chin.

Follow my analysis of all things MMA on BloodyElbow.com

by Leland Roling on Jun 3, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe, maybe not, and I don’t know if that would change MMA forever, but then again, Dana tends to go extreme.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Zuffa getting behind women in MMA would have the impact (adjusted for exaggeration) that Dana is speaking of. A regular signing of a big star wouldn’t. I think Tito will be signed to fight when he is healed up, but that is not going to have the same impact. Could be a TV deal too, but if rumors of that haven’t been being thrown around then they run a tight ship.

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Good call. I have since given up on the notion, but you are right. UFC not the WEC. Right on and rec’d

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

LA meeting had nothing to do with Fedor…

It’s up to Finkie if fedor fights in the UFC not zuffa. Will fedor be in the UFC? the probability is high:

- There’s no one else out there to bankroll finkie…

- The only org where it makes the most financial sense to pay Fedor is the UFC… quite frankly there’s and argument where the UFC would benefit more without signing him but that’s for another time.

- no more dumb money or free money out there.

- Russia’s economy is in the shitter…

- Finkie is too hungry to allow his meal ticket to retire.

In conclusion, I would bet on Fedor fighting in the UFC.

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions  

All valid points that anyone following this knows. The money outside the UFC is running out for Fedor. Will he take less to fight elsewhere with less restrictions and more perks for M-1? maybe. But what the hell is Dana talking about in the blog? thats what we want to know.

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Since he was in LA

….I would venture a guess that this has something to do with a media contract. I do like the Carano idea and that would have more of an impact on the sport.

by Reciprocity on Jun 3, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

I am sure Sengoku and DREAM don’t mind throwing money around for Fedor.
After all, Ishii vs Fedor is bound to happen in the future.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Attencio tried to get Dream to subsidize his third show so he wouldnt have to do it and dream didn’t want any part it.

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

DREAM just probably believes they can sign Fedor on his own after his contract with Affliction is over. Not wanting to work with Affliction doesn’t really mean they won’t throw money at M-1 and Fedor. There is always Sengoku also, who just signed Ishii.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Like I said…

makes no financial sense.

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well, for anyone really, but, it will happen.
It’s not like financial sense is always practiced.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yup, that PRIDE buyout sure was financially sound.
=)

Everyone screws up, the real question is if you have enough money so your screw ups won’t look like screw ups.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

It’s not like Zuffa started out with a billion dollars to lose, they earned the money that they lost on PRIDE through smart business. Like you said, everyone screws up, but when Zuffa screwed up they could afford to do it because of how they built the UFC, when Elite screwed up they were doomed because they screwed up in the beginning, the middle, and the end.

by ufc4 on Jun 3, 2009 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

That’s why every org Fedor has fought for has gone belly up.

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nah, Im pretty sure PRIDE went belly up for other reasons.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Depending on a revenue stream that is heavily influnced by public opinion in Japan and being in bed or at least involved with the Yakuza…yeah, those are sound financial decisions.

A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

by iiowyn on Jun 3, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Tied to the Yakuza does not equal belly up because of fedor.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 4, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

If you knew the story you would know Fedor was in the middle of the whole thing… the Yakuza story coming out was just a result.

by mmalogic on Jun 4, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

LA meeting had nothing to do with Fedor…

So what was it about?

by ufc4 on Jun 3, 2009 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fedor is not even in LA yet.
Thats what I’ve been telling you guys.
=)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’m not saying it was about him, he just keeps saying all these things it isn’t about so apparently he knows what it is about, or at least thinks he does.

by ufc4 on Jun 3, 2009 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

How is this news? Fedor’s camp mentioned a June meeting with UFC way back in February. Problem for UFC is it’s never sounded like Fedor wants to sign with the promotion. He just wants beat down Brock in a one fight deal and leave.

I also doubt that money and opponents are getting that scarce. He can go back to Japan and even return for a fight with Overheem in Strikeforce if they so choose to spend the money.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 4:35 PM EDT reply actions  

Fedor will be special guest for Strikeforce on Saturday!
=)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

I have a feeling Arlvoski is going to call him out. Is Jerry Millen going to VBlog this weekend?

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

dear god, i hope not

by woooburn on Jun 3, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

I, for one...

wouldn’t mind a Fedor/ Arlovski rematch. If Arlovski gets through Rogers (which he should), and then maybe Overeem for the Strikeforce belt.

If Affliction folds/ runs out of HW’s to give Fedor, I think the only viable options are 1) UFC, 2) Strikeforce (Arlovski, Overeem, Rogers if he beats Arlovski, or 3) WVR/ Dream (probably Sengoku because they have Ishii and Roger, as well as Pee Wee Herman; but Dream could potentially set up Fedor/ Overeem, or even a Fedor/ Crocop rematch if Mirko’s UFC contract is non- exclusive, not to mention that Dream probably pays more $).

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 3, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Roger rumored to be sighing with Strikeforce. Hes not with sengoku anymore.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

Werdum will be also fighting for Strikeforce soon.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Exactly.

Not to say that the UFC wouldn’t be the best option for Fedor, but if the UFC and him ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT come to terms, then I wouldn’t mind him in SF fighting guys like Werdum, Arlovski, Overeem, Roger, etc.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 3, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

that would suck…

Strikeforce would go bankrupt just like every other org Fedor has fought for…

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sarcasm...?

I can’t tell, so assuming you’re being serious…

I think Fedor and Strikeforce could work something out. SF has always been willing to co- promote, and if they worked with M-1, I could see Strikeforce getting Fedor on their roster, while M-1 pays Fedor the fat check he wants.

It would also be a huge leg up for Strikeforce, which would then arguably have a HW divisionon par to the UFC, with: Fedor, Werdum, Overeem, Arlovski, as well as Rogers, Roger Gracie, possibly Buentello, etc. Fedor/ Overeem for the HW belt could easily headline the first CBS card.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 3, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

M1 paying the fat check?

Affliction pays M1 and then M1 pays Fedor. M1 is no way paying fedor 2m per fight.

So far strikeforce has been very smart with their money – the likelihood of SF paying M1’s asking price is almost nil. This is the reason why SF has stayed in business this long and will most likely continue to be in this business long term.

If they do break the bank it will probably be on Tito. So far it hasnt happened with Kimbo and it doesnt look like they are budging on Gina (who strategically would be more beneficial to strikeforce than Fedor).

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

Kimbo is cheaper than Fedro and brings in more value.

A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

by iiowyn on Jun 3, 2009 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

Barnett is the last top ten HW left for Fedor to fight that’s not in the UFC. Monson, Kharitonov or Overeem would be wastes of time.

Come on, Fedor. Prove it in the Octagon.

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 5:02 PM EDT reply actions  

I agree about Sergei...

at least for now, since he doesn’t seem to take training (or at least dieting) seriously anymore.

However, Overeem is top 10, and looks like a fucking monster right now. And Monson is borderline top 10 right now, all he needs is 1 more solid win; he’s always been a very solid fighter.

I too would like to see Fedor in the UFC, but he really doesn’t NEED to prove anything in the Octagon. Anything outside of Barnett and either Overeem or Monson would just be icing on the cake. I’d say that even based on his merits at this exact moment, that he’s the most accomplished fighter in the history of the sport.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 3, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

If Fedor beats Barnett and retires, and Lesnar or Carwin can win two or three straight, there is serious debate by the middle of next year over who the true #1 HW is. I think the metarankings will bear this out.

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fedor isn’t retiring…LOL.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fedor just said he’s not retiring. Dude is 33 and at the top of his game. Why would he when there is tons of cash to be made these days? He’ll be fighting in the UFC but not as soon as some think.

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, growing up as a child Kimbo Slice was never given any bread with his meals. This is why he insists people give him his bread."

by xFenixKnightx on Jun 3, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe #1 HW

at the time. As for best HW ever, Lesnar would have to do WAY more than win 2-3 straight fights in the UFC to exceed Fedor’s legacy.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 3, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Word.

And if he does continue to keep beating elite HW’s from the new generation, then that just goes to show you how fucking good he is. Also, if he eventually gets beat by one of the new HW’s, it doesn’t take anything away from how great he is/ was.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 3, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’ll green that.

"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR

by Rundownloser on Jun 3, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

Brock, Mir and Randy are more appealing but Monson, Kharitonov or Overeem aren’t a waste of time.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Monson is. I question Kharitonov, but would watch the fight. Overeem needs more fights at HW before i consider the fight interesting, but I do think it would be interesting and would watch it.

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Kharitonov of a few years ago would have been competitive but he looked like a mess against Monson.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 3, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

I used to LOVE Kharitonov

But he looked bad against Monson. Truthfully, Monson could pull an Arona and make for a very dangerous fight for Fedor.

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Monson has been on a roll. He also fights about every 3 weeks.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Arona isn’t 4’11". I think Monson is just to short for HW. He is a guy that has great skill and cleans up lower HW’s, but will never break through to the top of the div. His skills and size just can’t match up with other guys skills and size. Even if his skills are great, and they are, He has a lot of reach to make up for.

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's not that he's too short...

it’s that his standup isn’t good enough to compensate for his height. He’s a buff mother fucker, but that strength doesn’t really translate to his striking all that well; it’s more grappling- oriented strength.

But he is a fucking bull, and really can pose problems for almost any HW out there.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 3, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hahaha...

Overeem is a waste of time? Hahaha…
People are forgetting about Werdum as well, who already beat Overeem.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

If you really think Werdum/Fedor would a) sell, b) be competitive and/or c) ever happen, I’m at a loss for words.

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not sell, I said competitive.
Werdum was one fight away from subbing Lesnar.

Darn you Dos Santos!
=)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Or from doing his usual thing of...

UH OH! A DANGEROUS GUY! TIME FOR PALM STRIKES!

Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.

http://CurseOfRonKarkovice.blogspot.com/

by Brent Brookhouse on Jun 3, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Come on! He learned how to strike after the Arlovski fight.
Ask Gonzaga and Vera =)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 4, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

I am going to go with the “huge” announcement having something to do with Gina and women’s MMA. Fedor signing doesnt change the history of MMA or the UFC, the guy has a few years left in him at best.

by ronniebonnie on Jun 3, 2009 5:36 PM EDT reply actions  

I think you meant Randy only has 1 year left in him, and Nog is already going down hill.
Fedor still has a lot of years left in him.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

He said a “few” years and I would agree, he’s not a spring chicken anymore and I think he’s got 3 or 4 more prime years before he starts to decline. Maybe he’ll prove us wrong but a guy like Randy who improves into his 40’s is the exception, Chuck Liddell is the rule.

by ufc4 on Jun 3, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I hope fedor sign with the UFC,but chances are dana’s big deal is ether another blue chip sponsor or this maybe a bit there but a network deal!!!!! Could happen.I think fedor would fight in strikeforce before he fights in the ufc because he wouldnt be exclusive.Just a thought

by RealIrish on Jun 3, 2009 6:01 PM EDT reply actions  

I hate to rain on everyone's parade,

Sure enough, on Sunday — the last day of May — Dana White was Twittering about having a “HUGE” meeting in Los Angeles the next day. “Insane for UFC fans if we get this done,” he tweeted.

You guys are speculating on something that has already come to pass. If you actually look at Dana’s twitter he says:

Tomorrow start a big month for me. Fly to LA in the am for a HUGE meeting. Insane for UFC fans if we get this done and I start filmn tuf 10

The meeting was the Kimbo meeting.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 3, 2009 6:23 PM EDT reply actions  

Kimbo is a pimple on a pigs ass compared to this.

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Tell that to the ratings on the first episode of TUF10. You guys might not believe me but that doesn’t really mean anything. Dana might not be an english professor but he certainly knows not to put to conflicting ideas in the same sentence: “Insane for UFC fans if we get this done and I start filmn tuf 10.”

by Ahhhoki on Jun 3, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

I can see where you're coming from.

That actually makes alot of sense.

Honestly, I think alot of the time, Dana just talks out of his ass. Whatever happened to the “MW signing that would blow our collective minds”? Whatever happened to Fedor “definitely coming to the UFC by the end of ’08”?

It’s not that I hate the guy, but I don’t necessarily think that he tells the truth 100% of the time.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 3, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

That MW was Roy Jones. But he was just fishing for numbers. Dana thought he was for real. I don’t think Dana straight up lies, he may speak to soon and be overconfident about things, but I would rather him be open and wrong sometimes then not give out any info at all. then what would I do all day at work?

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

Source? Or gut feeling?

Not accusing you or anything, but I was just curious as to whether or not that’s founded.

Because that very well could be true.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 3, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

It was MMALogic. He is a known insider of sorts.

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hahah..Yeah, I was replying to him that you were just repeating whatever mmalogic told you…hahaha.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well the middleweight fighter that would blow Kenven Iole’s mind statement and Roy Jones Jr running off at the mouth about MMA happened within a week of each other, it’s pretty obvious that the two were connected, who else could it of been?

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

szucconi is just regergatating whatever mmalogic said.

Here are things Dana has said:

1) Explosive MW = nope
2) Next Anderson Silva = nope
3) Change MMA Forever = Bud Light Deal
4) Change MMA Landscape = Jakks Toy Deal
5) Mind Blowing Announcement = Undisputed 2010
6) Change The MMA Landscape 4 Ever Part 2 = ?

=)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Given that you traffic rather heavily in rumors and speculation, a fair number of which don’t pan out, I figured that you’d be a little more sympathetic to DW on that point. ;-)

"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR

by Rundownloser on Jun 3, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions   2 recs

I’m not the public figure head of a powerful company, so no.
=)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

No your just some guy on the internet twisting things around to support your own personal opinions and biases.

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

Exactly, no one should care what I write. Everyone should care what Dana says. You made my point, thanks.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

The man tends to deliver – it’s why he is where he is, running the most wildly successful MMA promotion in the history of the world.

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Likewise what does any of our opinions matter about his past statements then? Instead of discussing what may or may not be going on it’s devolved into worthless crap.

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

why did you have to bring logic into this?

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Way to twist things around to fit your silly little viewpoint. Of course the Bud Light Deal was 100 times more important to the sport than signing Fedor would ever be, regardless of everyone’s mancrush on Fedor he is still just another fighter, Budwieser is one of the biggest sports sponsoring companies in the world with massive mainstream appeal. See that’s the problem with all this speculation what is important to internet MMA fans isn’t neccesarrily important to the sport, you named one of the top mainstream sponsors, a mainstream toy deal to put UFC merchandise in stores around the country and a video game that sold 2 million copies in the first month, in a business sense those announcements are astounding.

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

You guys need to lighten up. We are all having fun with this.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

That doesn’t mean he’s not 100% right.

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

It’s not heavy it’s just what it is. Instead of discussing what may or may not be going on it’s just ranting on Dana White.

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

No, we already discussed it, and theres not much to it.

mmalogic already shot down all the fanboy ideas, so we are having fun with it.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I wasn’t done discussing it, heck I just poped into the discussion a few minutes ago.

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

I know you just came here, but we have already been discussing this for a while.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

You’ve been here a month longer than him.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Jun 3, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Huh?

No, we were talking about discussing the announcement in this post with the likes of mmalogic. Not how long we have been in BE.
=)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh, ha. That makes more sense because I read your comment and thought, “I’m pretty sure you guys showed up around the same time.” Carry on. Don’t mind me.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Jun 3, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Isnt it amazing that no one is mentioning the uncanny correlation between the Budweiser partnership and the increase in UFC ppv buys :)

Budweiser is the number 1 sports marketer in the world and that announcement was bullshit.

The fanboys can only contemplate if Fedors left nut is smaller than his right.

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

See, the problem is that these huge announcements = $$$ for UFC and Zuffa, but the consumer, the fan boy fan who wants to visibly see something awesome, won’t. So these announcements that are great for corporate don’t live up the the fan boy dream.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

The fan boy dream = the UFC running elite mixed martial arts competition.

Whatever massively beneficial alliances or new methods of marketing lead to that destination, I’m all for it. If Dana was going to Donald Trump begging for money, you’d mock him, but when Affliction does it, it’s a ‘smart business move meant to keep them around for the long run.’ It’s just so transparent after a while, bud.

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Not at all, you got it wrong.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well a lot of them weren’t really meant for the fanboys anyway, hell the middleweight teaser wasn’t an anouncement at all it was a off hand comment to Keven Iole while talking about a entirely different subject yet everyone built it up like White was plainng some big anouncement for them. Same with the Lorenzo annoucement, that wasn’t a big announcement for the intermet fan boys it was a big announcement for the Zuffa staff, even after White explained that people still ragged on it which is really silly.

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Yup, most big announcements are for Zuffa, which is why it is funny when the fan boys start speculating.

The huge news could really be this:

Zuffa, LLC today named sports industry veteran Bryan Johnston as Chief Marketing Officer for the Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization. In this executive position, Johnston will establish and oversee the global marketing strategies and merchandise initiatives for UFC and World Extreme Cagefighting brands.

but the fan boy will be like, WTF? That is a big deal to Zuffa, but to the fan boy, they will be left in disappointment again. I completely agree with you, though.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Was I disappointed by the Fertitta announcement? Yes. Has Zuffa kicked ass since then? Yes.

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

hahaha…but Zuffa could have still kicked ass regardless, so, yeah. =)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

This guy doesn’t know anything. EVERYONE knows his right nut is the smaller of the two.

by ronniebonnie on Jun 3, 2009 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

UFC in 2 years will be MMA…
i live in new york city and if that bill gets passed here
the promotion of the NYC market will be huge
you’ve made it bigtime when you got a show in the Garden

by justizzer on Jun 4, 2009 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

The Huge News Is Obviously This
Zuffa, LLC today named sports industry veteran Bryan Johnston as Chief Marketing Officer for the Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization. In this executive position, Johnston will establish and oversee the global marketing strategies and merchandise initiatives for UFC and World Extreme Cagefighting brands.

=)

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ya, that would fit the profile of mega UFC announcement. Bryan Johnston, just fired from Nike for his Lebron/Kobe puppet commercials.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

I Witnessed Lebron getting his ass kicked by D12.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

No, it wasn’t the Kimbo meeting, that deal was already done and it was signed in Miami with Kimbo’s manager, Icey Mike. If you watched his video blog he said that he wanted to announce the deal but couldn’t yet because all the details weren’t finised yet.

by ufc4 on Jun 3, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Icey Mike?….are you kidding or is that the truth. ……thats Upgrayedd with two D’s for a double dose of pimpin

Hello, Japan!

by Mr.Kib on Jun 5, 2009 6:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

This LA meeting and announcement has nothing to do with:

- Fedor
- Gina
- womans mma
- affliction

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 6:32 PM EDT reply actions  

Maybe a UFC version of those Laker car flags

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

maybe

going public? imagine the news of being able to purchase Zuffa stock – that’s big

"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007

by lovingmma25 on Jun 4, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions  

Why would they have to travel to LA for a meeting about taking the company public?

by who me on Jun 4, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions  

dunno

just adding a different opinion

"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007

by lovingmma25 on Jun 4, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

That would also be an absolutely terrible idea. Companies only go public if they have to.

A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

by iiowyn on Jun 4, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

I know and understand all that, but I am just thinking about how much I’d love to buy some Zuffa stock – can I dream a little?

"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007

by lovingmma25 on Jun 4, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Absolutely not! Dreaming, stop that right now, stop it, getting too silly around here these days.

A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

by iiowyn on Jun 4, 2009 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Are there any plans for taking Zuffa — the parent company of UFC — public?

Never. Never, ever, ever. At least not while I’m here. Because I don’t want to deal with [the hassles]. I have enough [hassles] to deal with every day, running this company. I don’t need a bunch of idiots out in Wall Street — who have no idea what they’re talking about and don’t know anything about this business — telling me how to run it.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/boxing/bal-whiteqa122,0,3575746.story

by who me on Jun 4, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks

"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007

by lovingmma25 on Jun 5, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions  

TV DEAL!!! good times.

by szucconi on Jun 3, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

They’re renaming Spike to KimboTV?

by Ahhhoki on Jun 3, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Has to be something to do with a TV deal with a major network.

by ufc4 on Jun 3, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ding ding ding ding ding ding ding!!!!

I say HBO!

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, growing up as a child Kimbo Slice was never given any bread with his meals. This is why he insists people give him his bread."

by xFenixKnightx on Jun 3, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

HBO is based in NY. Why travel to LA for a meeting?

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’m talking CBS, NBC, or ABC.

by ufc4 on Jun 3, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

CBS has a deal. ABC/ESPN think they are family programming and don’t like Dana. NBC would be the only option.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

You’re probably right about CBS because of their deal with Strikeforce but I’m not sure ABC wouldn’t be interested if they think it would make money.

by ufc4 on Jun 3, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Only TV deal would most likely be for live Friday night fights on Spike TV.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Which would be a pretty huge announcement.

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

But not this prime time fantasy of being on a big network that everyone keeps on mentioning EVERYTIME Dana has an announcement to make.
=)

10th time is a charm, perhaps.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hahaha...

Where is the Oh God, Not This Sh** Again GIF?

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

Then that only leaves one person!

ALEKSANDER!!!!!!! FUCK YEAH!

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, growing up as a child Kimbo Slice was never given any bread with his meals. This is why he insists people give him his bread."

by xFenixKnightx on Jun 3, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Dana wouldn’t hype that as a MEGATON announcement…would he?

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, growing up as a child Kimbo Slice was never given any bread with his meals. This is why he insists people give him his bread."

by xFenixKnightx on Jun 3, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hughs vs Trigg III or White vs Atencio

History shows we have set the bar low for these announcements.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Good one! Kimbo TV! LMFAO!

For real though Fedor needs to get in the octogon and show what he can do in the cage. I just hope he aint like Mirko who can only fight in a ring. I doubt Fedor will be a dud like Cro Cop was in UFC. Don’t twist my words to mean he was a dud period…just in the octogon.

by nochapi on Jun 3, 2009 7:07 PM EDT reply actions  

Fedor doesn't need to get in the Octagon.

But it would be freaking cool if he did, i’ve got to admit.

And for the record, Fedor has already said that he trains with elbows and a cage, so I doubt he’d come in as unprepared as Mirko did.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 3, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

I still think he was just talking about the Kimbo TUF announcement.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 3, 2009 7:29 PM EDT reply actions  

He said he couldn’t announce it yet in the same video after they just showed Kimbo, why would he say he couldn’t announce it yet if they had already yelled it from the rooftops to everyone who would listen, including in the very same Vblog?

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not to mention the Kimbo deal was signed weeks before, do you really think he would close the deal with Kimbo the same day they start shooting the show? That makes no sense.

by ufc4 on Jun 3, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

I guess that’s true.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 3, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Alot of shit is happening.

Everyone is dying to know one specific item…. here’s the important thing:

Zuffa utterly kicked ass in 2008.

Zuffa will utterly tear ass in 2009.

by mmalogic on Jun 3, 2009 7:41 PM EDT reply actions  

I’d rather have a TV deal than Fedor.

by Derek Suboticki on Jun 3, 2009 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

So you'd rather have

monetary success for the UFC, instead of some of the most intriguing HW matchups of all time? From my perspective, that means that you either A) Are a Zuffa fanboy, or B) Would rather be vindicated for your fanhood of the sport, by having it become extremely popular, as opposed to seeing classic fights between the exciting new wave of HW’s, and the most dominant champ the 205+ division has ever had.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Jun 4, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Or maybe it just means he would like to see MMA reach a bigger audience and see more free fights.

by ufc4 on Jun 4, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

That really makes me want to avoid the video blogs for the rest of the year.

"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR

by Rundownloser on Jun 3, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

What’s Headquartered in LA for Dana and Lorenzo to have a meeting with? Affliction MMA, Tapout, NBC studios, ABC programming offices, FOX channel programming offices, a number of movie studios, the new ESPN LA office/studio. Trying to think of anything else in that area that would make for a big meeting, you would think if it was with some group like SpikeTV they would of just had them fly into Vegas for a meeting instead of everyone going to LA(Spike’s home office is in NYC).

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 8:14 PM EDT reply actions  

If the UFC did something like WWE films for MMA fighters that would be a pretty huge (and a bit silly) announcement. Of course Chuck Liddell and acting would be a stretch, maybe a Rampage a Wanderlei buddy cop movie.

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Obviously you missed this gem sitting in the back of your video store, Bachelor Party Vegas.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

Egads. I saw enough of his acting in the Entourage episode where he wasn’t even very convincing playing himself.

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Because he has the personality of an empty bag of Cheetohs.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 3, 2009 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Cheeto’s or Cheese?

A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

by iiowyn on Jun 3, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

He’s pretty bad too (cheesy :D ). I didn’t make it through half of The Crow: Wicked Prayer although it wasn’t just Tito stinking the place up in that one.

by who me on Jun 4, 2009 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions  

I just watched Zombie Strippers (my girlfriend and I love the bad zombie movies, they are how we got together), and Tito was the only smart person in that movie…kinda blew me away.

A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

by iiowyn on Jun 4, 2009 3:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

It's really so bad it's entertaining

Sad part is UFC plastered it’s name all over this movie. You wonder why UFC is so hesitant with whom they make deals with it’s probably from the experience of this movie.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

FYI

Chuck does play himself in this movie too. He beats out Big Pussy for the worst played character. You got a love a job lets you watch B/C level movies at 3am.

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like the buddy cop movie with Wanderlei and Rampage – you could also do a dumb and dumber with Josh Neer and Tito Ortiz

"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007

by lovingmma25 on Jun 4, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions  

THQ’s offices are in the LA area too.

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Undisputed 2010 . . . earth shocking news

by bignerd on Jun 3, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Undisputed 2011…
If THQ doesn’t go bankrupt.

= )

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 3, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Already announced, why would he say he couldn’t announce something yet that he announced a week ago?

by who me on Jun 3, 2009 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

It will never live up to “Never Back Down.”

by Ahhhoki on Jun 3, 2009 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

hmmm maybe it’s a new sponsorship signing
maybe clothing sponsor
nike or adidas would be big

by justizzer on Jun 4, 2009 1:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Nike’s home office is in Oregon, Adidas headquarters is in Germany.

by who me on Jun 4, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

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