Fedor Emelianenko, UFC finalizing deal
A long-awaited agreement between the Ultimate Fighting Championship and the man considered the world's best mixed martial arts fighter, Fedor Emelianenko, is expected to be announced by UFC President Dana White on Friday, a source with information about the negotiations told The Times today.
The source, who asked not to be identified because he's not authorized to speak publicly about the dealings, called negotiations between the UFC and Fedor "very civil" just days after Fedor's scheduled Affliction Trilogy fight Saturday against Josh Barnett was canceled.
Affliction wound up folding its MMA promotion activities and announced an apparel deal to sponsor UFC.
Now, Fedor, who has previously fought in organizations including PRIDE Fighting Championships in Japan, Bodog Fight and Affliction, is crossing over to the world's most successful MMA fighting organization, as well.
With a 30-1 record that includes victories over former UFC heavyweight champions Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Emelianenko would likely get an immediate shot at reigning UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar.
The source, who is not affiliated with the UFC, said officials were discussing details on the public announcement of the deal, which in the past has been complicated by Emelianenko's resistance to accept UFC's standard six-fight contract and his unwillingness to surrender some merchandising and marketing revenues.
But this month White said he was optimistic he could bring Emelianenko aboard, and his confidence was well-placed. The UFC declined to elaborate on Friday's scheduled announcement.
-- Lance Pugmire
Photo: Fedor Emelianenko weighs in for his July 2008 fight against Tim Sylvia in Anaheim. Credit: Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times
Is this legit?
Posted by: Marco | July 28, 2009 at 02:37 PM
Hope this is real
Posted by: Joe | July 28, 2009 at 03:23 PM
This is legit. DW is going to make it happen this time. He has too much to gain and the UFC and MMA in general is shifting toward the mainstream. A polite Fedor is an excellent foil for the over-the-top Lesnar. It's a great fit and it's time to make it work.
This move will be huge for the UFC and for MMA. I applaud all parties for working it out.
Posted by: MT | July 28, 2009 at 03:26 PM
That is the question...
Posted by: David Hasslehoff | July 28, 2009 at 03:45 PM
Man I hope this is real!
Posted by: dradenjade | July 28, 2009 at 03:45 PM
Could be, but White must be bending over backwards for Fedor.
Posted by: alex | July 28, 2009 at 03:49 PM
brock finally gets to prove his worth...bring it on!
Posted by: etan | July 28, 2009 at 04:08 PM
If this is true I'll weep for joy like a fat chick that just found a leftover tub of ice cream.
Posted by: Dana White's Tain | July 28, 2009 at 04:21 PM
I saw it here to:
http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Report-Dana-White-to-announce-UFC-signing-of-Fedor-Emelianenko.html
Looks legit. Says they may be fighting at UFC 103 in Texas.
Posted by: Ryan Stairs | July 28, 2009 at 05:00 PM
This is HUGE if it happens. Fedor vs Brock would be the biggest MMA event ever.
Posted by: Mike | July 28, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Hoping this is true would love to see LESNAR V FEDOR at UFC 103!!
Posted by: Shogun | July 28, 2009 at 05:03 PM
i hope he kills lesnar
Posted by: marshall | July 28, 2009 at 05:10 PM
I am seriously scared. My favorite fighter against my least favorite fighter. I have never felt this nervous for a fight before. I want Fedor to win and he can certainly do it. But if anyone poses a threat, its that WWE behemoth with cans of ham at the ends of this arms. Someone... please reassure me that everything's going to be O.K.... that Fedor is just going to do what he normally does: play around for a bit, and then finish the victim at will.
Posted by: Ad | July 28, 2009 at 05:25 PM
Fedor will destroy Lesnar. The only chance Brock has is to cut The Machine and have the doctors stop the fight.
Posted by: The Last Emperor | July 28, 2009 at 05:32 PM
Chances are that Fedor will fight Randy first...Think about it, if Fedor comes in and dominates Brock or Visa Versa, there will be millions lost. Fedor needs to fight Randy and then UFC will be responsible for finally bringing that long awaited fight to the fans. Also Brock will need to fight either Cain or Shane, and the winner takes on Fedor who will surely be able to dominate Randy! What you guys think?
Posted by: dradenjade | July 28, 2009 at 05:34 PM
Can't wait to see Brock destroy Fedor
Posted by: Triple D Kennels | July 28, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Let it be, let it be!!!
Posted by: Mark | July 28, 2009 at 07:10 PM
"The finalizing of Fedor's deal happening around the same time as the Fertitta's Station Casino bankruptcy can only mean that Fedor's contract will make Alex Rodriguez look like Oliver Twist."
-CommonSwimmer
Posted by: DavePretty | July 28, 2009 at 07:13 PM
I dunno guys, Sports Illustrated released a blurb quoting an M1 Global spokesperson who says they are nowhre near coming to an agreement. The two articles out there are polar opposite right now so its anyone's guess. My guess is Fedor will continue with M1 and forget about the ufc :(
Posted by: MS | July 28, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Fedor will take Lesnar
Posted by: larryism | July 28, 2009 at 07:46 PM
This fight between Lesner and Fedor is going to be a huge success for the UFC. This will get a TON of ratings!
Posted by: UFC Notes | July 28, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Fedor is the man that will take Brock down. Fedor has been my favorite fighter forever.
I don;t think Brock has what it takes yet to beat the skills of Fedor. Fedor has fought much bigger.
Posted by: Nate | July 28, 2009 at 08:39 PM
I really hope this all goes through. We all want to see Fedor and Lesnar face off. Though i believe that Fedor will beat Lesnar, by no means will it be a cake walk.
Posted by: Edward | July 28, 2009 at 09:49 PM
This is the best news iv'e heard in quite a long time!
Posted by: David | July 28, 2009 at 10:52 PM
I hope this is true, I would LOVE to see Fedor rip Lesnar apart!!
=D
Somebody needs to put Lesnar in his place, and Fedor is the guy to do it!
Posted by: TexasGirlie | July 28, 2009 at 10:57 PM