Originally Posted by IronMan @ MMAOpinion

An LA Times reporter, who will remain unnamed (unless you follow the link), looks really stupid right now. It’s not because he posted a story that wasn’t true (though he did, and that has a lot to do with it), it’s that he assumed the truth of a UFC leak.

It’s not secret that promoters attempt to manipulate the media in order to influence board room negotiations, though there are many who doubt the effects of those manipulations (myself, in particular). Frankly, the purpose of the announcement was to apply pressure on M-1 to meet the terms laid out by the UFC. While it’s hard to argue that the UFC’s terms were unreasonable, their desire to play power politics was, at best, irritating and, at worst, offensive.

Why am I convinced it was a leak from the UFC and not from M-1? Because M-1 doesn’t care about the perception of the mainstream media, and has no investment in telling the LA Times that a deal has been signed when one hasn’t. M-1 is not the organization who has been placed under a timeframe by the media to make these negotiations happen (as the UFC brass has, with the folding of Affliction), and so they have no reason to attempt to manipulate negotiations to push the pace.

Power politics exist, for better or for worse, in the world of mixed martial arts. Most media outlets attempt to avoid them in an attempt to publicize only the things that are actually happening (as opposed to the mirages presented by promoters), but often there’s a scoop that, even though it seems far fetched and cannot yet be confirmed, is too juicy to pass up. This was one of those moments.

Originally Posted by jasvll

I don't get the implicit trust of M1 some people have. While it may well have been the UFC behind that leak, it can just as easily be argued that M1 was behind it. After all, if word is out that the deal is done when it's not, the UFC is the one facing public pressure to give in. They have to deal with the American press and fan fallout, not M1 and Fedor, although it seems the tide of opinion may be turning there, based on statements made from both parties regarding co-promotion.

As for evidence of manipulating the media, in the middle of all the Fedor's fighting future hubub, M1 announced a press conference where it was assumed the matter would be cleared up. Instead, they announced that Fedor was going to 'headline' a video game.

Originally Posted by coldcall420

I thought it was because of the way it was couched as far as the amount of money the UFC offered and them trying to do everything on their end, so if it doesn't work out M-! looks like the dicks and have to defend themselves.....

Originally Posted by jasvll

I don't get the implicit trust of M1 some people have. While it may well have been the UFC behind that leak, it can just as easily be argued that M1 was behind it. After all, if word is out that the deal is done when it's not, the UFC is the one facing public pressure to give in. They have to deal with the American press and fan fallout, not M1 and Fedor, although it seems the tide of opinion may be turning there, based on statements made from both parties regarding co-promotion.

As for evidence of manipulating the media, in the middle of all the Fedor's fighting future hubub, M1 announced a press conference where it was assumed the matter would be cleared up. Instead, they announced that Fedor was going to 'headline' a video game.

Originally Posted by IronMan

I don't trust M-1 at all.

I've met Vadim, and I wouldn't buy a car from that motherf*cker. He's a slick businessman.

Originally Posted by coldcall420

Could you take him if you had to IronMan???

Originally Posted by HexRei

ironman, i think we need to find you a new avvy...