Fedor and Vadim Finkelchtein Respond to Barnett Controversy: Asking for Brett Rogers
by Nick Thomas on Jul 23, 2009 10:07 AM EDT
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During a Moscow press conference:
"I feel disappointed about this situation." said Fedor "But I will fight anyone who Affliction puts in front of me. I know a lot of fans waited for this fight to happen and I am sorry for them. I can’t do much about it now but I am in good shape, my training has been good and continues to go well."
"By the end of the evening we expect to officially announce who’ll be the replacement for Barnett," said Finkelchtein.More at M-1global.com.
"We personally entertain the idea of having Brett Rogers step in since he knocked Andrei Arlovski out," said Finkelchtein. "But if there is any problem with Rogers, then it’s pretty safe to say it’s going to be Belfort. However, we are well aware of the fact that fans don’t consider Vitor Belfort to be a suitable replacement, according to a recent Sherdog poll."
"People want to see Fedor fight. Belfort can make heavyweight but the fans don’t want this fight. Fedor isn’t seeking an easy fight. If logistics weren’t an issue, we’d like to see Fedor fight against Brett Rogers. Fans want it (and) so do we." said Finkelchtein.
-- photo via mma.us
Fedor press conference. 23.07.2009
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Confirms what we knew I guess
The Grim is the desired opponent, but it will end up being Vitor.
'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko
by Well Read Idiot on Jul 23, 2009 8:57 AM EDT reply actions
This is interesting. Vadim actually reads the web from what I can gather. He realizes that fans do want Brett Rogers over Vitor Belfort, and for that… I’m glad they addressed it. Honestly, I would rather have Rogers against Fedor due to the fact that Belfort can then fight Santiago, but having Vitor move up creates a problem for Affliction to continue shuffling.
Too bad Coker already said Rogers is a non-possibility.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 23, 2009 8:59 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
For those that don't click the link...
Worth reading through the whole press conference. Alot of Fedor/UFC talk, and strongly suggests the possibility that M-1 will be branching out on its own after Affliction (thats what I took from it anyway)
"The UFC’s roster is occupied by a vast majority of American athletes," he began. "Not every single best fighter is under their banner. So don’t believe the hype. There is no real international diversity that’s anywhere close to what we’re doing with our M-1 Challenge concept."
"We need to keep building the structure and scouting and signing new talent," he said. "Our utmost aspiration is to follow in PRIDE’s footsteps by gathering all of the best fighters from around the world. At no time have we ever regretted that. We believe that we’re capable of achieving that."
'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko
by Well Read Idiot on Jul 23, 2009 9:07 AM EDT reply actions
These are Vadim Finky quotes btw...
'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko
by Well Read Idiot on Jul 23, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
The biggest problem facing any upstart trying to compete for top talent is the UFC’s bankroll. The UFC is pulling in massive PPV revenue, while these upstarts are trying to live off of money from gates, crappy TV deals, and meager PPV buys. The instant a fighter builds a following and becomes a draw, the UFC can just step in and pick them up with their bankroll. Not only that, but because of the influence of their brand, their marketing prowess, and their reputation as the pinnacle of the sport, the draw of being in the UFC alone can often be enough to draw top fighters in without having to splash big money on them.
The UFC has too much of a head start now. I can’t see any new promotion being a realistic threat.
by Meeaaat on Jul 23, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
"The UFC has too much of a head start now. I can’t see any new promotion being a realistic threat."
The problem is thinking you can step in and instantly compete. I think someone who builds slow and keeps it friendly with the UFC (Strikeforce) can get there someday.
Strikeforce is doing things the right way. They’re finding their niche, and are holding successful, profitable events. I still don’t see them ever competing side by side with the UFC though. The moment Strikeforce begins to even hint at posing any legitimate threat, the UFC has a massive war chest they can use for marketing, counter-programming, or just outright buying all of their stars. The UFC actively tries to depress fighter pay, but if they needed to, they make more than enough money to raise the stakes to keep the top draws out of financial reach of their competitors.
Some hard to substantiate claims in there.
by Razreshat on Jul 23, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hard to substantiate, but do you see it happening any other way?
If Strikeforce begins to pose any threat to the UFC, and the UFC has a couple hundred million sitting in the bank, what do you think they’re going to do? I think we’ve already seen it. They’d do the same thing they’ve been doing against any other perceived threat up until now, squash them with any means that they want.
Vadim is a moron if he thinks that M-1 can build up some solid competition in comparison to what the UFC has to offer. Russia hasn’t produced anybody but Fedor, and Eastern Block countries only have a few prospects. The American scene can always build off wrestling whereas the European and Asian scene hasn’t done so as much.
Even some of the prospects in M-1 Challenge are actually Strikeforce property like Shane Del Rosario. So, I don’t see how they’ll swing it.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 23, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Lots of "stuff" in there.
Sure, the UFC Heavyweight division’s international diversity isn’t wide, but implying that it is representative of the UFC as a whole is completely wrong.
Also, the M1 challenge, while a nice idea, is hardly plucking the best fighters out of the countries participating. Hell, half the time it simply comes across as a vehicle to try and make Russian fighters seem better, internationally, than they probably are.
WTF has Vadim even took the time to watch one of his M-1 chalenge shows and scouted some of his fighters he has on payrole ? Becasue most of the fighters talent level on the M-1 roster are far from even being even half way decent in my eyes.Shit Some of the worst most sloppy fights I have seen are watching the hour long M-1 Challenge show friday nights on HD.NET. It seems like most of the teams are filled with old MMA veterans with 500 or sub 500 records, journeymen fighters who bounce from show to show and young fighters who are far from even being called a c level prospect let alone good young talent.
UFC Should think long term
Give Randy Couture a 1 fight only deal to fight next weekend on the caveat that Fedor signs with the UFC for 2 – 3 fights….
If Couture wins, the UFC technically wouldn’t even need Fedor anymore.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 23, 2009 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Not to mention the simple fact that they’ve got Randy/Nog scheduled which if (when) Randy wins sets up a HUGE rematch with super heel Lesnar. To give up on those plans for Fedor makes no sense.
Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Jul 23, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
other than getting Fedor in the Octagon. That is the end game here guys…. think longer than the next 3 events.
Fedro will never ever ever set foot in the Octagon with Finkie as his manager. The UFC does not have to cave in to FInkie’s demands, and Finkie will never let his cash cow fight for someone where he isn’t getting to put his fingers in the pie.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
read my explanation on my page as it is late here in Australia and I am off to bed. night night bloody elbow
http://www.notasmartman.com/main-event-solution-for-trilogy/
Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 23, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Aptly named webpage methinks?
'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko
by Well Read Idiot on Jul 23, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
At this point, I’d rather see Belfort take the Fedor fight. At least he’ll be coming off of a proper training camp. If Rogers goes is there, he won’t be sharp, and he won’t be in fighting shape. It’ll be more of a squash match than anything, but will just look impressive because he’s the bigger guy. Belfort will be more dangerous.
The problem with Belfot is what he does to the rest of the card, since we all wanted to see the fight he was already in.
Exactly...
That’s my problem. Ruins the Santiago vs. Belfort match-up, which I wanted to see. They should have just threw Rothwell in there or got Monson. Yeah, it would have been a likely squash match, but the rest of the card is maintained.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 23, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I can see that point of view, but I’d rather see some attempt to put on a semi-legitimate main event. Throwing in some guy who hasn’t had a proper training camp is ridiculous really. Right now the rest of the card is intact, but the main event is in shambles. I’d rather see one of the fights on the remainder of the card be sacrificed to prevent the main event from being a squash match. While not perfect, that’s a good trade-off in my opinion.
Most people will be buying the Affliction PPV to see Fedor tested. Without that, I can’t see as many fans buying into the PPV on the strength of the remainder of the card alone.
But why ruin the second best fight on the card. Take one of the other HW’s scheduled to fight (none of those matches are really that intriguing) and throw them in.
Or the Monson option, it seems like he’s always ready to fight. Take him, Yvel, Brothwell, or Buentello, don’t ruin the next best fight on the card also.
The problem with using those heavyweights is that they’ve done nothing to deserve the fight. With Rogers, you can at least say that he KOed Arlovski, and that he’s undefeated… problem is he’d be coming in without a proper camp.
Monson is on a 7 fight win streak.
by Razreshat on Jul 23, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Missed Monson, I was talking about Yvel, Ben et al. The problem I would have with Monson is he hasn’t had a full camp and proper preparation. He’s taking on one of the top p4p fighter’s in the world on short notice, and I’m supposed to think that’s a legitimate challenge? Maybe I’m still biased from that boring Tim Silvia vs. Monson fight from years past.
If you think Belfot/Fedor is a legit fight then I agree with you. I don’t think Belfort Fedor is a more legitimate fight then any of the other possibilities that have been talked about. In that case I want to preserve the rest of the card.
If there were a more legitimate, ready, and marketable opponent, I’d be open to it. Belfort would be coming in with a proper training camp, and would be within 15-20 lbs of Fedor though. It isn’t an uncommon weight discrepancy for a HW fight – although admittedly it’s usually the other way around. Belfort’s also on the upswing, and is a marketable veteran. I can’t think of anybody else who meets all of those requirements.
I don’t know why your discounting Monson.
he may be ready to fight, he’s the next highest ranked HW so he’s much more legitimate than Belfort. neither of them are very marketable, and he has a recent win over Nelson, which was good enough for AA to get a title shot.
If they can use him and keep the rest of the card in tact, that would be a whole lot better than sacrificing another one of the good fights on the card.
Yea, I forgot about Monson. He’s more legitimate I agree, but if he hasn’t had a full camp to prepare, it’s not something I’d be interested in.
Jeff Monson rarely has a full camp to prepare for any fight because he has been fighting so often (he’s already fought 4 times this year and has a fight scheduled at the end of August and another mid-September). In the same timeframe Monson has had his seven fight win streak Fedor has only fought twice. Don’t worry about Monson not having a full camp because that was never an issue anyway, Jeff Monson will be in fighting condition if he gets the bout.
Semi-legitimate main event… give me a break. I’d rather tune-in for Santiago vs. Belfort and Mousasi vs. Babalu combined as co-main events than moving up Belfort vs. Fedor and shutting out a MW tilt. That’s just my opinion though. I’d watch Fedor beat the shit out of Rothwell for entertainment purposes as well.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 23, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s the thing, though it’d be entertaining to see Fedor wail on a sack of meat, it’s not something I’d pay for. And I don’t think most fans would cough up for the PPV on the merits of the rest of the card alone.
The only legitimate, ready, and marketable opponent I see is Belfort. We’ll see how this plays out.
as someone said yesterday...
… they better make up their damn minds. if vitor ends up getting rescheduled for santiago, after two days of planning for heavyweight, he might run into some weight cutting issues.
what a mess.
Ohh the irony
Finkie wants to make the fights the fans want to see??
I have a question. Why is everyone so keen on seeing Belfort fight Santiago? Is it because Santiago as an underdog has so much value that they don’t want it to slip away? or do people actually think it’s going to be an amazing fight?
It’s an amazing fight, and a value bet as well. Santiago has really improved, been explosive, and it surely makes for an interesting fight.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 23, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Because it’s one of the best fights that could happen outside of the UFC in the MW division.
The card had 2 really good fights on it. 1 of them is definitely off of the card. By doing Fedor/Belfort, you get 1 ok fight and probably one bad fight.
If it’s anyone else you still have that 1 really good fight, and then one ok/bad fight if someone else replaces Barnett.
I’d rather see that one really good fight (especially because Fedor is probably going to destroy whoever he ends up fighting).
No, the card had three really good fights before Barnett got busted. Babalu vs Mousasi should be awesome.
by a tommy point on Jul 23, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Ugh...
They should just offer the fight to Monson already. From nebulous interwebz reports, it seems like Rogers, even if Strikeforce were to let him fight Fedor, would cost 800k. Monson would probably cost less than half of that for the one fight.
If Fedor wants to fight Rogers and the sticking point is the money then Fedro should pitch in a couple hundred grand out of his purse and make it happen, he can afford it. Of course maybe Strikeforce just doesn’t wanna loan him out.
Some people might say that winning a fight makes you a better fighter but I don’t agree with that.- BlueberryMuffin
by ufc4 on Jul 23, 2009 10:13 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
hmmmmm...
why would any fighter on this planet, no matter how much money they already have, give up a portion of their paycheck because someone got caught cheating?
If your coworker failed a drug test, would you give up a portion of you salary to help finance a work project? I wouldnt.
That’s not Fedor’s fault and its not his problem. He’s a fighter, not a promoter…
A true MMA fan from the great state of Arkansas.
by MMArazorback on Jul 23, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ll take Monson as well. Give Monson the chance, Belfort takes on Santiago. Problem solved.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 23, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
It's great to know that Vadim makes his decisions based on Sherdog polls.....
That’s just sorta scary. I love Sherdog, but srsly, you don’t say that shit at a press conference. I wish they’d give up this whole M1 garbage and let Fedor into the UFC.
Well, over 40,000 people voted. Pretty decent sample size, I’d say. It’s not like the poll was in a forum post filled with insanity or anything. Rather, it was right on the main page.
by a tommy point on Jul 23, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but the consensus here was that Rogers was an awesome opponent as well, so I don’t think it was a bad poll at all.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 23, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
while sherdog is usually full of morons, and internet polls and petitions are pretty much useless, I really don’t have a problem with this one.
It’s not like the poll said he should be fighting Kimbo, Rogers is best available HW according to the metarankings.
I agree.
The people who buy Affliction PPV’s are hardcore fans, not the casual fan that the UFC so easily attracts. Sherdog is a good place to go and get a consensus of what their fanbase is thinking.
It would be counterproductive to go to yahoo or google searches to find out the fans feeling on the switch. Those fans prolly wouldnt buy the PPV no matter who is on the card.
Affliction knows they have a smaller fanbase made up of hardcore MMA fans, and they want to make sure those fans are “locked into” this card.
A true MMA fan from the great state of Arkansas.
by MMArazorback on Jul 23, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Im still standing by my vote, put in Seth the promotion killer!
by Anton Tabuena on Jul 23, 2009 10:08 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
That would essentially make him the Dr. Kevorkian of MMA
A true MMA fan from the great state of Arkansas.
by MMArazorback on Jul 23, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Go to Japan
With no good options in the US, lets just move the whole event to some country where a juiced up Barnett can still fight.
You're kidding, right?
Doing that would completely de-legitimize Affliction (granted, that’s happening anyway), Barnett’s career (to US fans), and the WAMMA title (should Fedor happen to lose). Not to mention the several thousand (?) fans who purchased tickets to see the event already…
There really are no good options for this. Barnett really screwed the pooch, and if Affliction has Belfort jump two weight classes to get the snot kicked out of him, then they’ll screw the pooch even further. Rogers isn’t gonna happen, and on very short notice, wouldn’t make for a good fight anyway. If Afflction’s main goal is to have Fedor headline a fight, they’re better off picking a random HW looking for a payday. Hell, doesn’t even have to be Monson, although that would appear to be an obvious solution…
If they’re assuming people were buying the fight to watch Fedor vs. Barnett, they aren’t going to lose much business by having Fedor fight another HW. The casual/recent fans, for the most part, don’t know who Barnett is anyway, and the hardcore fans would be more pissed at losing Belfort/Santiago. No-brainer…
Personally, I have no interest in seeing Fedor fighting a decent mid-tier heavyweight who we all know has absolutely no chance of beating him. That rules out the likes of Monson, Werdum, Rothwell, Yvel and Buentello. Rogers is still a bit of an unknown quantity so that could be an interesting fight if he’s in any kind of shape.
At least in a fight with Vitor, while it’s still unlikely, there’s always the chance of Vitor machine gunning Fedor with 500 punches in 30 seconds.
Imagine if Fedor gets his lights put out by Vitor or Rogers. WAMMA and Affliction will have done more to legitimize the UFC’s heavyweight division that anything Dana White could have dreamed up. Arlovski, Syliva and Barnett’s careers are already in the toilet, I’m sure the UFC would love to see Fedor join them.
If Kimbo were unsigned
Would affliction be willing to sign him for this matchup?
It really would be Christmas in August for Dana White and co.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito Ortiz on Vitor Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Jul 23, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
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