Josh Gross caught something most missed at the Fedor press availability:
Emelianenko's reply to the UFC the following day didn't need translation. Addressing a small contingent of media gathered at a makeshift press conference in Anaheim, Calif., Emelianenko wore a pullover emblazoned with the EA Sports logo, a clear dismissal of White's decree that fighters wishing to compete in the UFC would refrain from signing a deal with the video game giant.
When he did say something noteworthy, his translator missed it. Asked why he should be considered any different than scores of world-class fighters who have agreed to fight in the UFC, Emelianenko said it was a matter of timing.
"When I first read the UFC contract that was offered two years ago, I clearly understood they were trying to [expletive] me," he said defiantly. "If we got an offer two years ago that we received yesterday, maybe we would agree. But not in today's situation, we could not accept that offer."
Personally, as a fan I'd like to see Fedor in the UFC. But I certainly understand why he's suspicious of the UFC. He wasn't the only fighter from PRIDE to feel like he was disrespected during the aborted UFC takeover of what had been the world's premier MMA organization.
I hope people understand that I'm trying to shed light on the emotional perspectives of both sides of this negotiation, not justify either side.
The UFC doesn't need Fedor to continue to be a success, but they do need him to become THE paramount MMA organization in the world.
UPDATE: Let me quote from an earlier post to clarify what I mean by that, obviously the UFC is at the top of the heap, but if they get Fedor, they are IT, the major leagues:
Fedor and his team remember when PRIDE, not the UFC was at the center of the sport. They understand as well as anyone that if Fedor signs with the UFC that Zuffa will have the top fighter in every division of the sport under contract. That simple fact will make the UFC champion, IN EVERY DIVISION, the linear champion, starting from the moment Fedor steps into the Octagon and continuing as far as we can see.
The Russians don't want to hand the keys to the MMA kingdom to Dana White, its that simple.
Fedor doesn't need the UFC. He's already had a great career. He makes very good money. He doesn't care much about the American fans because he is Russian and most of his career has been in Japan. He is very proud and rightfully so.
Paradoxically, Fedor is also a very humble man and this might be complicating things. He's made it clear many times that he's not a particular fan of watching fights and that he doesn't view himself as the "best in the world" or the "best of all time" but rather just as a "fighter who is able to compete at a high level."
Trying to appeal to him as if he had some sort of cosmic obligation to "fight the best" or "cement his legacy" is a waste of time.
Here's a piece from Kevin Iole a while back:
"I don’t consider myself on top of the pedestal," said Emelianenko.
"I have certain weaknesses and I make certain mistakes. Of course, that is frustrating, because like any athlete, I strive to get better each day. I know a lot of the media and the fans want to say I’m the best. I appreciate that, but that’s not how I consider myself."
"This is my job, and to be honest with you, if I didn’t have to work this job, I probably wouldn’t (attend MMA fights)," he said, chuckling. "It’s how I make my living. It’s even tough to accept this is what I do for the living."
..."I’m not out to prove anything."
What we have here, sadly, is a failure to communicate.