MMAJunkie.com reports that the UFC and Fedor Emelianenko are still negotiating but reports that the Russian heavyweight turned down a six-fight deal worth up to $30 million are not true.
"There have been recent reports stating that talk between M-1 Global and the UFC regarding Fedor fighting in the UFC have ended," M-1 Global president and Fedor manager Vadim Finkelchtein said. "Like some of the other reports that have surfaced, this is incorrect. It is unfortunate that so much incorrect information has been leaked to the public. It is M-1's preference not to negotiate in public, and we are unsure why people claim that Fedor and M-1 turned down a six-fight, $30 million contract to fight in the UFC when no such offer was ever made."
Finkelchtein said negotiations are ongoing but "erroneous" reports about possible compensation are hindering the process.
"Even though (UFC CEO) Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White did not meet with Fedor in person on Tuesday, they were represented over the phone," Finkelchtein stated. "Outside of representatives of the UFC and M-1, no other company was represented during our negotiations. Since we did not go to the media with details of the meeting and only responded to the erroneous reports, we are unsure how these reports started.
"It's unfortunate because these type of tactics will not help ensure that M-1's talks with the UFC are fruitful. M-1 Global is still interested in continuing to negotiate with the UFC and while we are fielding offers from other major promotions, nothing has been decided. It is our hope that the UFC will remain in active dialogue with us as we try to find ways for us to work together. All we are asking is that there is give-and-take in the negotiations and that they are not one-sided."
The UFC has a press call scheduled for today at 2 p.m. (et) and some have speculated that White would announce the signing of Emelianenko, among other things. That looks unlikely now but it does appear one of White's announcements will be the re-signing of Tito Ortiz.
"My fans have made a decision easier for me to make. The future of my career will be made tomorrow," Ortiz stated on Thursday. "I hope you will be as happy as I am."
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