Dana White and the UFC Brass Got Played By Fedor Emelianenko Because They Love the Sport
by Kid Nate on Jul 31, 2009 10:41 AM EDT
in News
114 comments
From a Fight Network piece on the UFC-M-1 negotiations:
Many in the UFC were uncomfortable even with this, the largest guarantee they have made in their history. Company insiders expressed concerns about Fedor's doughy physique, his inability to speak English, and the difficulty of working with his management team. Still, these insiders say that Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta are absolutely obsessed with getting Fedor in the company.
"They sometimes let their heart control their brain," an insider said. "It's like when they paid too much for PRIDE. It makes them crazy that they don't have this guy in the company."
If the UFC is able to sign Fedor, they plan to market him harder than any fighter they've ever had. "We will have to," a source said. "We can't afford not to. His contract would make sure we did a Countdown special and pull out all our tricks."
Twenty months ago I wrote an end of year piece that was, looking back, clearly far too harsh on Dana White and the Fertittas. But there is one bit I still believe is true:
Ironically, as much as Dana disses internet fan boys, he's one himself. Only a fanboy would pay what Zuffa shelled out for a mortally wounded promotion whose scandals had already cost them their TV deal. Only a fanboy would be so threatened at the prospect of PRIDE mounting a financially disastrous Las Vegas show that they panic and start offering money. Clearly due diligence wasn't performed or Zuffa would have figured out BEFORE the sale that PRIDE's contracts with its fighters weren't transferrable. Basically, Dana and his crew got played.
This FanPost by szucconi put it well:
Now the UFC wants (Fedor). They don’t want him because he can draw in fans. They aren’t bending over backward and dusting off the checkbook because they think he is a great guy. They think he is the number one heavyweight fighter in the world, no matter what they say about him or what they think about his management. They don’t need him, they just want him and for that I am grateful. I want to see top fighters face off as much as the next guy, but there will always be a fight that needs to happen or a fighter that is not with one organization or another. For the short time I have been into the sport I have seen this pattern more then once. Take the long-anticipated bout between Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva. In that case, the fighters were rabid to fight each other and the fight just couldn’t get made. When it did happen is was well after interest had peaked.
Fightlinker has a whole series of posts comparing the UFC's efforts to book first Chuck Liddell vs Wanderlei Silva and now Fedor vs the UFC heavyweight class to Charlie Brown's hopeless attempts to kick Lucy's football. That's what it is and that's how Dana and company played themselves -- actually it's only half the story but I'll get to part two later.
Dana and the Fertittas decided that they wanted Fedor and they put together a deal they thought he would have to be crazy to turn down. Then they started spinning the press and the fans to the effect that it was a done deal. Then they didn't close their deal so they started spinning the press and fans that Fedor and M-1 had to be crazy to not sign the deal.
Maybe they'll work something out down the road, but I hope it doesn't come at the cost of hardening their fanboy hearts. The Zuffa crew might be bullies and shameless manipulators of the media and fans, but they really do love the sport and it shows in the quality of their product.
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“Then they didn’t close their deal so they started spinning the press and fans that Fedor and M-1 had to be crazy to not sign the deal.”
And it’s true. Fedor must be crazy not to sign that deal. This whole co-promotion thing is nonsense. Anyone who says otherwise isn’t thinking clearly.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 10:35 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
The co-promotion, as defined by Gary Millen to fanhouse, will never happen.
They want a 50/50 split of “investment” and then share the “risk” which is either a profit or a loss. This isn’t a new startup company, this isn’t an investment product..
Well, with the other orgs they have been working with lately, there has been risk. There is no risk in a UFC card with Fedor in it, it is a guaranteed money maker. The UFC doesn’t need M1’s “investment” money, they will bring nothing more to the table. There is no way on earth that m1 could be responsible for 50% of the revenue this card generates, so there’s no way they should get 50% of the profit.
by Phildo on Jul 31, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and people said that if we heard the other side of the story we'd get it....
yeah, we got it.. you guys want a highway fucking robbery..
by Anton Tabuena on Jul 31, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If 50/50 is true then it strengthens my argument that the UFC made an offer they knew would be rejected. I’m convinced that Fink is trying to protect his golden boy. The contract is short term if Fedor loses his aura of invincibility. Like Lawler who got bounced out of the UFC by losses, he steadily moved up the rankings by staying undefeated against subpar opponents. Coincidentally, Barnett employed this strategy to keep his #2 ranking as well.
Fedor will keep his ranking by fighting nobodies. I hope the rankings committees would just do their job and put Fedor #2 after so many fights of subpar opponents.
by cyph on Jul 31, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think they thought it would be rejected.
It doesn’t make sense on any level for M1 to reject a deal that is better financially, exposure wise, and involves fighter fighting the best fighters than a 50/50 co-promotion split with anyone else. that was their goal with this, blow everyone else out of the water without giving up a 50/50 split on their own. I really have to question M1’s thinking if they don’t except this eventually.
by Phildo on Jul 31, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think they're less interested in the best deal for Fedor
than from digging in and preventing the UFC from becoming the sport.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 31, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it seems kind of pointless now. They’ve had 2 semi-legit opportunities to stop the UFC, and Gary drove Pride into oblivion and stood by and watched while Attencio and crew let Affliction fade into Bolivian.
They’re cutting off their nose to spite their face, and they’re going to be very sad when they realize how much money they’re missing out on.
by Phildo on Jul 31, 2009 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if the deal (that was rumored) had gone through, it would have been one thing after another with the M-1 guys. you’d probably see jerry millen trying to grab the mic from buffer in the middle of the introductions, and all kinds of press conference shenanigans. in his current management situation he almost seems like more trouble than he’s worth… best heavyweight in the world or not.
by woooburn on Jul 31, 2009 10:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is a very good and accurate post. Perhaps not Miller specifically, but they do seem like they are not worth the hassle.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zuffa hardly got played. They are fans of the sport and going after what they want to see as fights.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 10:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Let me also say…. Whatever Zuffa has done with the press, it has worked. Fans have turned on Fedor and his manager. They see the UFC is being more then reasonable and this has made Fedor look really bad.
And i think that is the right perception.
Not to mention for casual fans, all they are going to hear is…. Fedor was offered $30 Million for 6 fights and turned it down…. He must fear Brock Lesnar.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nogueira, CroCop, Wanderlei, Hunt, anf the rest of the Pride aura of invincibility has looked quite mortal. Even Fedor has looked quite mortal against Lindland and Arlovski.
He must fear Brock Lesnar.
That isn’t as far fetched as you think. The perception isn’t just from the casual fans.
by cyph on Jul 31, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Think about this… He kind of balked at fighting Vitor Belfort. Why? Belfort was very quick and Fedor has always used his speed to his advantage. Lesnar is just as quick as Fedor is.
Even Arlovski gave him fits until that one punch. Fedor’s entire career has been based off of being the quicker more agile fighter. The UFC has many guys who are bigger and more agile then him. Fedor wouldn’t win or lose every fight…. But he certainly wouldn’t stay unbeaten…. And that kills his money potential….
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Brock Lesnar is not the only HW he could potentially lose to in 6 fights. Imagine the hit Fedor’s image would take if he came to the UFC and went 3-3.
"It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear".- Doc Holliday
by MyFistYourFace on Jul 31, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just look at the damage done to Cro-Cop’s rep by one high kick …
A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who
by thetakeover on Jul 31, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d agree: these guys are clearly not just building a business: they’re working hard to build a sport. They’ve gone to great lengths to protect and nuture MMA, and if you look at their signings, these guys are way ahead of the curve. Even the diehards didn’t have the faith in Lyoto that Dana did, and nobody would have done such a masterful job of prepping him for his title shot.
When people hate on the UFC, I just assume they’re not in possession of the facts or their wits.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
When people hate on the UFC, I just assume they’re not in possession of the facts or their wits.
Are you insinuating that Ivan Trembow is…is…insane?!
by cyph on Jul 31, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This one? http://bit.ly/FXhey
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve felt this way for a long time. It’s nice to see other people express it as well.
by Shatto1 on Jul 31, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rec'd, good sir
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by subo on Jul 31, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They may have played themselves but from a PR stand-point, they still win.
Before their recent efforts, many fans still blamed the UFC for not having Fedor. Now, Fedor and his management are taking the brunt of the backlash(and rightfully so) for not signing what was a very lucrative deal.
"It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear".- Doc Holliday
by MyFistYourFace on Jul 31, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ah but more fans know who Fedor is now than ever before
If he gets with Strikeforce and keeps scoring big KO wins, he’ll have a stronger hand in a year.
And if Brock gets beat in the meantime….
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 31, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
More of the kind of fans who hang out on the Internet and read sites like BE.
Has this been all over ESPN? CBS? CNBC? Nope. The only people who heard any of this stuff are the same people who already know about Fedor.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Agreed. It’s only us rabid fans who got a big dose of Fedor news. This isn’t making it to the casual fans.
As far as exposure from tearing through Strikeforce, that’s fine, but in a year’s time the UFC will still have the best monetary offer, and they still won’t be willing to co-promote, just as it is today.
Something I posted elsewhere though: Fedor sounds like he’s content to fulfill his M-1 obligations for those 3 more fights, but sounds open to any possibility afterwards. It doesn’t sound like he has any personal interest in pushing the co-promotion agenda, so at the end of his M-1 contract term, it sounds like he would be willing to accept the UFC’s conditions.
With the UFC unwilling to budge on co-promotion, I think he’s going to get away this time, and if he remains undefeated, will sign with the UFC after those 3 fights.
by Meeaaat on Jul 31, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And who, exactly, of consequence is Fedor going to KO in Strikeforce...or anywhere else?
by Razreshat on Jul 31, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Werdum, Rogers and Overeem
plus Josh Barnett are all out there and are credible enough to keep him going.
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by Kid Nate on Jul 31, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
None of them are in the Top 5. Barnett leaves the Top 10 from another drug bust.
The next 5 CLEAN challengers according to your own rankings are all in the UFC.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure
but since he’s such a solid #1 all they need to be is top 10 or even top 15.
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by Kid Nate on Jul 31, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely disagree. When there is an entire batch of talent he has never touched in the biggest organization in the world… If he doesn’t fight them…. He looks extremely weak.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’ll look weak to people like us, but to a lot of network tv viewers—people who thought Kimbo was a wrecking machine—he’ll look like a god if he rolls over Werdum, AO, and Brett Rogers.
by kid_eh on Jul 31, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He will look fat to a lot of network viewers. Face it, his fighting style is only exciting to hardcore fans. He is not a bruiser like Kimbo with a bunch of Youtube KOs
by Zou want a piece? on Jul 31, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, they could just line up a bunch of guys with impressive physiques and have him destroy them one by one, black ninja style, at every M-1 show…then put that on Youtube.
by madiq on Jul 31, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So when Fedor beats ALL 5 of these top 10-15 ranked guys, what then? Will he retire or join the UFC because other than someone getting cut, there won’t be any other options.
Granted, this could take well over 2 years for Fedor to do, especially if he continues to fight twice a year.
"It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear".- Doc Holliday
by MyFistYourFace on Jul 31, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he might sign up with the UFC at that point
especially if Lesnar loses in the meantime.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 31, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree with this. if he fights overeem, werdum and rogers it’ll be enough for people to keep him at #1… especially if he dominates them like he did sylvia and arlovski. i dont think he’ll drop below #1 unless he loses at some point.
by woooburn on Jul 31, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is there any doubt that he’ll dominate these scrubs guys?
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha. good point.
just think this chatter about knocking him out of the #1 spot is more sour grapes over the failed attempt to set up the lesnar fight, than anything. anderson silva’s last two opponents weren’t exactly the top of the heap, and no one was calling for him to be ousted from the top of the rankings.
by woooburn on Jul 31, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel like Fedor’s management is more selective with his opponents because they can be. While I’ll never think Thales deserved a title shot, Anderson fought the guy he was told to fight.
Not to mention that once the dust settles in the Maia-Marquardt and Hendo-Whoever contender tilts, we won’t be able to question the legitimacy of Anderson’s opponents. Fedor’s gonna have Werdum and Overeem. Then who?
by woomikee on Jul 31, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
Next three figths.
Lesnar: Carwin, Nog, Mir
Fedor: Overeem, Rogers, Werdum
If they both won out then I’m voting for Lesnar #1. Not that I would totally dispute a vote for Fedor, but
by SES 84 on Jul 31, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
WTF. Neither of the groups of opponents is head-and-shoulders above the other.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Jul 31, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
nog>all three strikeforce guys
Mir>all three strikeforce guys
Carwin = rogers
by JaTinkles on Jul 31, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rogers=Carwin…Really?
This is also assuming that Carwin beats velazquez. If not Velazquez will beat face Lesar.
by SES 84 on Jul 31, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s fucking ridiculous, Mike. Nog my himself would be a more impressive win than Fedor’s three combined.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by subo on Jul 31, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fedor has answered the Nog question
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by Kid Nate on Jul 31, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That doesn't make him a less impressive opponent for Brock
And that was the argument.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by subo on Jul 31, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t mean its a fight I want to see, but as far as rankings go its a better win, and substantially so.
Of course if Nog is rocked by Couture then maybe not, but then Lesnar will fight Couture again which is also more impressive than any of those guys.
by SES 84 on Jul 31, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You keep responding to quesitons of “consequence” and “credible” with “Rogers.” I don’t think these words mean what you think they mean.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Carwin > Rogers in that whole department
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by subo on Jul 31, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And he’s better at changing tires.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No they are not. People may argue that they are, but in no realm of sanity are they.
"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 31, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone keeps saying Werdum, Rogers, Overeem, that’s all I hear when Fedor outside the UFC is talked about. What about when one of these guys loses? What if two of them fight each other? They are the only 4 credible HW’s outside Zuffa control, they are bound to meet sometime, does anyone really wanna see Fedor fight Werdum if he’s coming off a loss to Overeem or vice versa? I don’t, there’s no way Fedor actually fights all three of those guys within the next two years. What’s that leave? Rematches of his two Affliction fights that nobody wants to see or freak shows. Jeff Monson is probably the only other halfway interesting matchup and even that is a bit far-fetched.
I don’t think they’re actually going to let him kill me... And if he does kills me, book sales will really go up. Boom…win-win, bitch.- Forrest Griffin on Anderson Silva
by ufc4 on Jul 31, 2009 11:53 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
our traffic this week
has matched the traffic we got for UFC 100 and most of it is coming from google.
Lots of new eyeballs are seeing this Fedor for the first time.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 31, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Still a hardcore fanbase. Most people who purchase PPV’s don’t go online searching for this stuff.
The UFC tried to play to the hardcore fanbase and got killed financially for a few years.
You are living in the blog bubble.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN has covered this a bit
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by Kid Nate on Jul 31, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the web site. In the MMA section. Where the hardcores go…
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not to mention that there isn’t even a MMA link on the main page without really looking for it. They reduced the number of sport links at the top to just include the very biggest sports. You have to click on all sports and then find the MMA link. People can’t even really click on it by accident.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With a barely looked at link near the very bottom of their home page… The part of their home page that most people who go to their website don’t even look at.
Plus, looking at something online and purchasing a PPV are two very different things. People buy UFC PPV’s. They don’t buy Fedor PPV’s.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This appears to be one of the few times
MMA fans are subconsciously rooting for less mainstream coverage of a fighter, rather than more.
by rzor on Jul 31, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
When your favorite fighter acts like a dumbass, you hope nobody will notice. :-)
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or so personally invested in success for the UFC
that we’re willing to hope for the quick demise of yet another organization, openly hope for the death of a fighter’s manager, and decry an “undefeated” fighter as a coward. It has made for extraordinary reading.
by rzor on Jul 31, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not personally invested in the success of the UFC. But anyone invested in the success of MMA is going to be thinking about all of those…
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think a popular opinion
is that what’s best for the UFC (e.g. the best fighters under one umbrella) is best for MMA, which is hard to argue against. Competition between promotions makes for better fighter compensation, but it sure does increase frustration about potential match-ups.
by rzor on Jul 31, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The UFC gets a lot of things wrong – and I’m no fan of their business practices, for instance – but who out there is doing a better job? And not just in measures (that are important but ancillary) like increasing revenue, but also in increasing acceptance, making matches that matter, keeping the freakshow to a minimum…. the list goes on. These guys are serious about the sport and it seems like most of their competitors aren’t.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really don’t get why people necessarily think that.
What would be best for fighter compensation would be if an MMA org can get on the level of the bigger sports. The org in the best position to do that is the UFC.
They constantly improved compensation throughout the years, they have paid more than Affliction, and they were paying way too much.
Competition for the sake of competition doesn’t help anyone. If there was good competition, that would be a nother thing, but that doesn’t look like it’s possible.
by Phildo on Jul 31, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is just flat out wrong.
The UFC has made it BETTER not worse for the fighters since Pride went away.
And they still need to compete against other sports to get the viewers. This idea that there is no competition is laughable. Even the movies are a form of competition.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m talking about competition from other mma orgs.
by Phildo on Jul 31, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They've covered the Fedor saga?
Are we talking SportsCenter or their Sherdog section?
by woomikee on Jul 31, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
definitely saw the affliction cancellation/ufc sponsorship news mentioned on the screen scroll thing. nothing since then though (on air anyway).
by woooburn on Jul 31, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
27,873 of the daily hits are me.
I have an addiction.
I need help.
I have been BE free for 45 seconds…..never mind.
by Riney on Jul 31, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fedor is not a draw. Likely will never be. He doesn’t speak English or look tough. That kills his sellability in the US. Plus, no matter what Strikeforce says on Showtime or CBS…. Even if they call him the greatest ever…. This will be the casual fans perception:
1. He isn’t in the UFC.
2. He doesn’t look that tough.
3. Compare him to Brock Lesnar, and Lesnar would beat him. He needs to go to the UFC.
The power of branding is extremely persuasive.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus, he has built himself up on beating unbeatable. GSP, Silva, Penn, & Lesnar all have losses. The UFC doesn’t build their champions on beating undefeated. in fact, they say most guys can be beat.
Once Fedor loses once, it’s completely over and he is a bad investment instantly. That’s a lot of risk and not much reward for a proven non-draw.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 31, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When he beats the 3 guys Strikeforce has, he will have a stronger hand? I think every HW he beats outside the UFC is one fight closer to the inevitable UFC signing or retirement.
"It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear".- Doc Holliday
by MyFistYourFace on Jul 31, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fedor has been a constant chatter on Internet forums and websites. This hasn’t helped Affliction. The casual fans, unfortunately, only prowl ESPN TV or ESPN the website.
However, I’m excited for StrikeForce. If that is where Fedor wants to go, at least he’s to a good organization.
by cyph on Jul 31, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, more fans know Fedor, but they know him as a greedy coward.
A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who
by thetakeover on Jul 31, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is AWESOME for the sport. Yay.
Don’t forget kids, down the tracks, not across!
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Until Fedor’s fighting in another promotion, it’s all negotiation.
by Jahbulon on Jul 31, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
they didn’t get played. Fedor will go down looking like he was either too stupid, too stupid in choosing managers, or afraid of fighting the ufc heavyweight divisions. he just looks like a coward and/or an idiot to turn down that kind of money….there’s no other show in existence where he will make close to that kind of money…he could fight for another 15 years and i’m doubtful he’d make half of what this deal offered just straight off the fights……fedor looked poor against arlovski, before that, what? Lindland? Zulu? who cares. i don’t even read the articles about him and his asinine management’s decisions anymore.
Gatti. Dekkers. Pele. Aoki. Kang. Vanderlei.
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by theworldsoldestsport on Jul 31, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No he won’t. This is probably one of the most ignorant posts I’ve seen in awhile.
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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 31, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
What makes this post ignorant?
I agree with him. Fedor will go down in many CASUAL FANS’ eyes as a Coward, a Stupid Coward, or just plain Stupid.
I buy that.
by MetsGod on Jul 31, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good job guys..
I love szuconni’s quote, and the twenty month old fanboy quote.. totally agree with both of you. :)
by Anton Tabuena on Jul 31, 2009 10:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I see it more as them calling Fedors bluff. I dont agree with the post at all. If fedor doesnt go to them now he will be long forgotten. Look how many of his fans turned on him in just the last week. Dana has always said he wants to make the fights the fans want to see and no other fight has been talked about more. He cant go one damn press conference without discussing the guy. I think they, like I, believe Brock is gonna smash the guy…
by reciprocal on Jul 31, 2009 10:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Correction
Dana White and the UFC Brass Got Played By Fedor Emelianenko Because They Love the Sport
Everyone Got Played By Fedor Emelianenko Because They Love the Sport
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 31, 2009 10:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
/\ this
but I’d wager to say Dana and the Ferittatas love it more than most.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 31, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d challenge that. Just because most of us don’t have the money to buy a promotion doesn’t mean that if we were in his position, we wouldn’t throw huge money at him just because we “want to see him fight UFC fighters”.
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 31, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dana didn’t have any money for that. He just talked people into it. Something any of us could do if we were passionate enough.
Me? I’m getting tired from all this commenting. :-)
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he does OWN 10 percent, and did put up money...
I'm like PacMan fightin you silly kids... throw ya Hatton the ring, and get knocked outlike Ricky did.
lol.
by Loot on Jul 31, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you mean,
…put up “money”…
I’m not saying he didn’t “contribute” to Lorenzo’s “bottom line,” but are we sure it was cash? :-)
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Jul 31, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I like the article, and agree that much of it is because they love the sport, there’s also the business aspect.
He’s the last top fighter that they really want in their collection. Once they have him they’ll have the complete set, and will cement the significance of the UFC even more than it’s cemented now. They will have all of the undisputed top fighters, and because of the champion’s clause, they will always have the top fighters. Everybody will know that to be number one, you have to beat the UFC champ. That’s a big deal. Right now the only thing getting in the way is Fedor.
by Meeaaat on Jul 31, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Proof: Matt Serra was ranked #1 after beating GSP. We will never again see a UFC champion fight lesser competition than that.
Fedor is also the only guy on top 10 p4p lists outside of the UFC.
by Jahbulon on Jul 31, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, outside Zuffa.
Miguel Torres and Mike brown pop up on lists
by woomikee on Jul 31, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dana has done all he can thus far...
Say what you will about him, he is trying to give the fans what they want. The post is correct, Fedor’s benefit to the UFC isnt in his drawing power, he may never be the the star that Brock is or Chuck was or GSP is. But he’s the best, and Dana HAS to have the best. It’s one part Dana’s ego (having to have the best fighters in the world) and one part Dana’s fanaticism (having to have the best fighters in the world).
Everyone hated it in the past when Dana would poopoo Fedor in the press about not being the best, lack of competition etc… but as soon as he expressed interest (which he has obviously had for some time) then the pressure was on him to get the deal done and Bring him to the UFC. So Dana played it smart and didnt really let on to his desire to sign Fedor until the right oppertunity came up and he thought he could make it happen. Then, when the pressure was on and his intentions were known, he did (and I assume is doing) everything ($$$) in his power to make it happen… even to the point of making this “pudgy, non-english speaking, no drawing power” Russian, the highest paid fighter in the history of the UFC.
Dana should be and has been aplauded here. He waited and waited and then picked his spot. He pulled out all the stops and even put aside some of his trademark stubbornness (EA ban, no sambo, M1 logos etc..). Dana may be bashed for openly plotting to put competitors out of business, but in this crazy ass week in MMA he has proven his loyalty is to the sport and the fans like never before.
Dana can make more money off of Tito, a 40+ Iceman, GSP, Brock, and even Kimbo or Bobby Lashley, but he wants the best. We dont care that Fedor is balding with a beer-gut, he’s the best and we wanted him… Dana did too.
My hat goes off to you Mr. White.
A true MMA fan from the great state of Arkansas.
by MMArazorback on Jul 31, 2009 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Dana and the UFC Brass got played?
Really? I don’t see it. This whole thing was win/win for Zuffa.
In reading some of the comments on this one site here over the past few days…I mean look how many people hate Fedor now due to all the media coverage and calculated leaks…without even knowing the exact details of the negotiation.
More than ever, now people will buy what Zuffa is selling. After all, they went “all out” trying to land Fedor…who is sometimes the world’s best HW…when it suits the PR talking points.
by The Real T-Bone on Jul 31, 2009 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I think the reason Nate is saying they got played is because they offered their largest contract ever to a fighter who is pudgy, can’t speak the language, and most fans don’t know.
They got sucked in by the allure of “the greatest fighter in the world.” Because no one ever tells them no, they essentially offered this guy much more than he is probably worth to them. Hey, after buying the company for $3 million it’s all house money!
by Jonathan Snowden on Jul 31, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well then wouldn’t it be more accurate to suggest that Zuffa would have been played had Fedor – at the values suggested either by you or by Carmichael Dave; in either case, Fedor would have set a new standard for earning potential within the UFC – signed the contract ?
I’m certainly don’t see how not overpaying for a fighter can be considered “getting played.”
...Behold, a pale horse. The man that sat upon it was Wieters, and hell followed with him.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
by Brett Jones on Jul 31, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see what you mean. Of course they are not overpaying the fighter only because he is trying to hold them up for even more. the game, as they say, is still afoot.
by Jonathan Snowden on Jul 31, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I appreciate Dana’s efforts to get Fedor into the UFC, but fuck Fedor. Seriously, it is clear his management has a specific agenda that they will not budge on. Okay, that’s fine. Let him go to Strikeforce and beat the snot out of Rogers, or let him go to Japan and beat up 7 foot giants. I don’t really care at this point. When you have P4P fighters like GSP and Silva and a host of other top talent fighting in the UFC, and you go offer Fedor that kind of money, I just don’t think he’s worth it.
Would I love to see Fedor vs Brock or Fedor vs Crocop II? Of course, what fanboy wouldn’t? I’m just kind of bored of this whole thing.
I love me some Sexyama!
by pud333 on Jul 31, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I found WWE's JR's thoughts interesting
Fedor Negotiating with UFC: "The UFC and Fedor Emelianenko are still apparently negotiating for the much hyped, superman/heavyweight MMA fighter to sign with UFC. It’s obviously a negotiation that UFC must undergo but signing Fedor definitely isn’t a “must sign.” The deal must be good for the UFC. This deal should be for a minimum of three fights and without destroying UFC’s business model that so many have worked tirelessly to build. Fedor is not bigger than MMA and when, not if, Emelianenko is defeated he ceases to be bullet proof. Yes, I’ve been around a few monstrous, ticket and PPV selling attractions in my career and I realize that a potential Fedor-Brock fight is huge money but so is their return. What if Emelianenko-Lesnar was an Ali-Frazier thing, don’t say that’s impossible, and it took three battles to settle the score? That’s sort of hard to accomplish with only a “one fight deal … UFC has all the leverage, as I see it, in these negotiations and crafting of a fair and mutually rewarding deal for both entities should be UFC’s only goal.”
by poundnground on Jul 31, 2009 11:36 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
wow... that was said almost perfectly...
I'm like PacMan fightin you silly kids... throw ya Hatton the ring, and get knocked outlike Ricky did.
lol.
by Loot on Jul 31, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s more likely that Zuffa played themselves (intentionally), than got played.
by CliChe Guevara on Jul 31, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You know what nobody is talking about?
How Fedor and his group are a bunch of selfish jerks, and the UFC put out an offer too good to be true.
Nobody has made this point yet.
BOOSH
by Farthammer on Jul 31, 2009 11:54 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Only a Zuffa nuthugger would make that point.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by subo on Jul 31, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dana White is a Fanboy and that is why he is so good at what he does
He understands what the fans want to see and gives it to them. The Pride aquisition, in retrospect, has been good for MMA cuase it has brought us some very very good and important fights.
by Bandaka on Jul 31, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Chunky Monkey
Both sides needed to compromise to get a deal done. Zuffa was willing to compromise but M-1 was not at interested in that prospect. They weren’t willing to compromise with Zuffa and that is what killed this deal.
Perhaps a lifetime supply of Ben & Jerry’s would have been enough. =)
by timetosaygoodbye on Jul 31, 2009 11:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve heard alot of crazy things today but this one by Nate tops the list, the UFC didn’t get played they are the one’s who did the playing. In one day they turned a ton of hardcore Fedor supporters into haters, these are the same people who’ve built up his myth over the years. So now without his backers, Fedor becomes even less relevant than he already is and considering the fact that the rest of their audience doesn’t know or care about Fedor the noose gets tighter and tighter around Finkie’s neck it’s brilliant strategy.
by Raker on Aug 1, 2009 12:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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