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White prepared to call M-1 Global's bluff of free Lesnar vs. Emelianenko bout

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#1 ·
White prepared to call M-1 Global's bluff of free Lesnar vs. Emelianenko bout
by John Morgan on Nov 28, 2009 at 12:00 pm ET

Earlier this month, M-1 Global exec Jerry Millen made waves by claiming Fedor Emelianenko would be willing to fight Brock Lesnar for free.

UFC president Dana White recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) that he's prepared to call Millen's bluff.

"They'll do the fight for free?" White asked. "That's [expletive] weird because I offered them millions of dollars to take the fight and he didn't take it. Now [Emelianenko] wants to fight for free? When and where? I'd love him to fight for free.

"I'll make that [expletive] fight right now for free. Let's do it."

Fight fans have long clamored for Emelianenko to appear in the octagon, but contentious negotiations between White and the former PRIDE champion's representatives at M-1 Global have prevented "The Last Emperor" from joining the UFC.

White said he sees great irony in a camp offering to fight for free when they once demanded a 50-percent share of the UFC's business.

"That's funny that they say they'll do it for free now when they were dealing with us and negotiating with us they wanted 50 percent of our business," White said. "They wanted 50 percent of our business to do that fight, but now they'll do it for free?"

White had a bit of extra venom for Millen.

"[Millen] is a [expletive] clown that talks out of his ass and has no business (discussing the negotiations)," White said. "That guy is a nobody. When we did the big Fedor negotiations, you think he was in it? He wasn't even in it. That guy's full of [expletive]. Tell him to go frost his [expletive] hair again and beat it.

"You don't think I want to make that fight? Of course I want to make that fight. But it takes two people to make a deal, not one guy."

White has often referred to Emelianenko's handlers as "crazy Russians" when it comes to addressing their negotiating tactics. But this time, the UFC exec utilized a different depiction.

"We offered [Emelianenko] lots of money – so much money that it caused lots of [expletive] with our other fighters," White said. "That's how much money we offered him. And guess what he said. 'No, we want 50 percent of your business.' That's some Russian strong-arm [expletive]. They can get away with that [expletive] out in Russia to the baker that works down the street. They're not coming to America and doing that.

"If Fedor wants to fight the best in the world, he can call right now. We can [expletive] cut a deal right this second, and we can do it."

Of course, prior to any Emelianenko vs. Lesnar contest – free or otherwise – the UFC champ will have to nurse himself back to fighting shape. White remained relatively tight-lipped about Lesnar's exact condition but did insist he would do everything possible to assist in the heavyweight's recovery.

"[Lesnar] had minor surgery," White said. "He's kicking back, healing up, seeing how he feels. No matter what, we're sending him down to the Mayo Clinic to get checked out by the best doctors in the world. From there, we'll see what happens.

"He's still very much in limbo, and we don't know. All I really care about is that the guys healthy and can come back."

White also said he was amazed that it took such a tragic situation for fans to realize what Lesnar brings to the table.

"It's funny because it takes something like this for the fans to appreciate Brock Lesnar," White said. "Whether you love him or you hate him, when you sit around and go, 'Holy [expletive, he might never fight again,' that sucks. You don't want that to happen.

"I just think he brings so much to the sport, especially to a heavyweight division that has been dead for so long."
[ Source ]
 
#6 ·
I believe White over over those thieves at M-1. Will White call them out? Yes, I believe so. Will M-1 stick to their word? Hell no, they're risking too much by Emelianenko losing. Emelianenko is the only person keeping M-1 afloat, other than Mousasi.
 
#5 ·
Oh please!

Dana's completely unprofessional and unpolished speech is seriously getting on my nerves. FFS you're the PRESIDENT of a MULTI BILLION worth company and somehow you can't control your swearing? /rant.

This just makes me think that Brock's illness was another gimmick to get more ratings. A week and a half ago, Brock was dying and now he has minor surgery and is thinking about fighting again? Gimme a break.

Hopefully, he recovers quickly and this fight takes place, so Fedor can show the world who the real champ is.
 
#93 · (Edited by Moderator)
OOOOOK This can EASILY be a gimmick, BUT if its not and Brock really has been sick for a YEAR or more with this condition not just THIS MONTH.... And his cardio and strength should be way less because of this sickness he had for a year? Fedor better get the KO in the first 10 seconds of the fight because Brock will take him down and beat his face through the octegon.... Fedor has been my favorite HW for 6 F'ing years now but REALLY think about what your saying.... And the point that Dana White says whatever he wants is DANA WHITE BEING DANA WHITE!!! Dumbass YOU EVER SEE HIM ACT DIFFERNT?!?!?! Why would he? Like u said he is the President of a Multi Billion doller company HE DEOSNT GIVE A SHIT WHAT Dirty Russians think....

You guys ever think that Dana maybe JUST MAYBE might go along with this because he is 90% sure that Brock will make a laughing stock of Fedor? And if Brock does that (StrikeForce) Dana's only competition would lose THERE MAIN GUY that they had to Co Promote there whole company for? You might just do it, not like he wouldnt make multi millions off it even if it was "Free" with the record watchers waiting to happen... I bet that if this EVER happend the viewers would hit 7 million

The UFC had NOTHING TO OFFER FEDOR!!!!!!

Fedor, Strikeforce and M1 has already said that the UFC purse was allot lower than what people thought about and that STRIKEFORCE was able to Match UFC's amount.

Why should Fedor risk the health of his company (M1) by joining with these super arrogant American ********? Why cant Brock and the other upstarts chase Fedor and join Strikeforce? If all these arogant Americans want is popularity and fame then joining Strikeforce and fighting Fedor. Imagine having 16 million Russians suddenly knowing the new upstart named BROCK LESNAR?


YOU SERIOUSLY THINK THEY OFFERD FEDOR 30 MILLION! They wanted 50% and if not that then the Biggest promotion gets squat, Strike Force had like 3 promotions and you think they can offer ONE fighter probably more then there paying all there fighters in 2 years.... Your Funny!

The UFC had NOTHING TO OFFER FEDOR!!!!!!

Fedor, Strikeforce and M1 has already said that the UFC purse was allot lower than what people thought about and that STRIKEFORCE was able to Match UFC's amount.

Why should Fedor risk the health of his company (M1) by joining with these super arrogant American ********? Why cant Brock and the other upstarts chase Fedor and join Strikeforce? If all these arogant Americans want is popularity and fame then joining Strikeforce and fighting Fedor. Imagine having 16 million Russians suddenly knowing the new upstart named BROCK LESNAR?


HAHAHAHAHA!! OMG the more i read the more Funny you get!


"Why should Fedor risk the health of his company (M1) by joining with these super arrogant American ********? Why cant Brock and the other upstarts chase Fedor and join Strikeforce?"


R U SHITTING ME! NOW ITS A RISK? IF FEDOR EVER HAD A CHANCE AGAINST BROCK He already Blew it, because now Brock is THAT MUCH BETTER, even if this whole sickness with Brock is a joke, the Brock that held Mir and made his face One with the Octegon is going to smash Fedor. IVe NEVER seen a HW do half his shit in such a sort period of time. There has never been a HW like Brock Fedor being a true 32 - 0 cause is convident but never fought a Brock. And plus Brock being THE CHAMP in the Biggest fighting organization in the world is suppost to "Chase" Fedor and JOIN STRIKEFORCE?! HAHAHAHAHA!!! Yeah that makes since ill leave the highest calibur best paying orginization (THAT IM CHAMPION IN) and go into this no name company StrikeForce? FOR WHAT?! HE IS CHAMP he doesnt give a shit about Fedor unless he MANS UP and grows some of those RUSSIAN BALLS because Affiction Ended NOT UFC, Fedor had to find a home NOT BROCK...... IF Fedor really thinks he is that much Better then PROVE IT and go back to ur no name company that im going to see live on Dec 19th with cung le BOOYAYAYAYA Finally living near San Jose paid off!!
 
#10 ·
How can you judge Dana White's competency as a 'president of a multi-million dollar company' on his use of language? Limp-wrists don't make it in buisness, and most of the richest men in the world are also some of the nastiest. Why disect the buisness aspects of the UFC when, at the end of the day, it's the best in it's niche and Dana gives people the fights they want to see?
 
#13 ·
Dana has an exemplary function! He should stop acting like a 13 year old boy who discovers the words f.uck and ass.hole. It's ridiculos to use such an offensive language when you are the boss of such a big company. Grow up Dana plz
Well he's a bloke, it's up to him if he swears or not. If someone got offended I'm sure he'd be quick to say sorry..? It's really quite a trivial thing, a habit. The grown up thing to do is just ignore it if you don't like it!
 
#20 ·
People are talking about M-1 as if they amount to nothing more than agents for Fedor and Mousasi. They run popular events around the world featuring a fair pool of fighters. What bearing do Fedor or Mousasi, who fight in Strikeforce ( aside from the occasional exhibition ) have on events like the M-1 challenge?

Granted, they are not the behemoth that the UFC has become, but outside of the US they are no joke.

The idea they have invested everything in Fedor and Mousasi is nonsense. They pretty much have first dibs on a large global area and will continue being M-1 long after Fedor and Mousasi have hung up there gloves.
 
#21 ·
Agreed. M-1 is sitting comfortably. The Fedor bit just gets them some leverage against the UFC.

Plus, MMA is an exciting and brash sport. Getting upset about his language but not being bothered by two guys trying to knock the poo outta each other... Seems like a priority thing to me...
 
#24 ·
Regards Danas persona... come on now! Every chairman/director in just about every popular sport are massive c**nts. In the UK, the football club chairman might talk polite and stuff, but they are greedy lying thieving twats. I would rather put it all out there and act like a c**nt if you are one : Dana White. Rather than this behind the scenes douchery, while in public portraying the image of a saint.
 
#29 ·
And bonnar and griffin both turned out to be terrible fighters. Looks like dana's scared his cash cow paper belt holding meat head would get destroyed by fedor.


They should just fight throw down a goold ole fashion street fight in an empty parking lot.
 
#35 ·
Lesnar is extremely dominating, and the UFC HW Champion. Lesnar has a better speed/size combination than anyone Fedor has faced previously.

I would pay $100 to see this fight, but as everyone else has said, it's not going to happen, especially as a free fight.
 
#36 · (Edited)
Believe it or not I think Dana is full of bullshit, as for fedor i do believe he would fight Brock lesnar in RUSSIA for free. Do u guys really think the ufc is going to let there biggest star go to russia and fight fedor in something they can't promote. If fedor wants to fight lesnar in russia who actually gains from it all m-1. I personally believe if m-1 could promote anything fedor will fight anyone. Say hbo lets m-1 co promote a LESNAR VS FEDOR fight, do u really thing fedor or m-1 going to say no. The question is the ufc will lose out, there is to much at stack in a m-1 co promotion with the ufc for both sides. Fedor wins m-1 is huge, ufc and lesnar wins m-1 is pretty much dead.
 
#37 ·
Wow, everyone hates Dana now?

I like him.

He can talk however he wants, he is an adult, who is largely in charge of the worlds largest CAGE FIGHTING organization. Don't fool yourselves, he is the reason most people were exposed to world class MMA in the first place. What he say's, or the way he rubs you, has nothing to do with his success whatsoever. The same lame people have always hated people like Howard Stern, but in the end, the hate only enhances the success.
 
#45 ·
Well first of all this Sport had to improve in one Country. The UFC just became big in the USA, you have to start small and until you can take over the World^^
This Sport is still at the early stage remember that!

And i don't wanna comment on that M-1 offer because it's rubish^^
 
#46 ·
What do you think M1 is doing with MMA in Russia, its now huge in Russia. With less total population than America it still managed to pull in over 6 million viewers for Fedors last fight..................at 4am in the morning. Fedor has powerful fans including Russia's political elite (imagine Obama attending Brocks fights thjis is how popular Fedor is).

I wonder why most Americans think their country is the most important, how the rest of the world dosnt matter. Many Americans are so insular that they cant even point out the location of Iraq on a map.

America and UFC must learn how to play with people/countries and other organisations from around the globe.
 
#50 ·
if m1 is so big and popular why can they only put on real international quality shows by co-promoting?? Maybe because they arent nearly as big and as popular as ppl are saying.... i've watched the lame m1 world challenge stuff on HDnet... poor production to poor commentating to mostly poor fighters.... = a crappy event (altho there's a couple fighters there i enjoy like Karl "Psycho" Amoussou).

They simply cant put on big shows that will get millions of viewers or hundreds of thousands of PPV buyers.... they just arent that profitable which is why they try to leech of companies that are.

As for this fighting for free.... Brock seems like the kinda guy that would fight for free if you insult him at a bar in backwoods Minnesota.

Fedor seems like the kind of guy who would fight for free if it was organized and properly reffed.

Ppl believing M1 need to give their heads a shake tho.... they wont let Fedor fight for any company unless you give them half, but they are gonna let the biggest fight ever go for free?? How unlikely is that?? They need the $$.... UFC doesnt... what does the UFC really have to lose?? Do you really think the UFC goes broke if Brock lost a fight to Fedor??:sarcastic12: M1 is the only company with something to lose.

Chuck went to Japan and lost and the average MMA fan doesnt know/care. It didnt change his popularity then or now and nobody cares or mentions it now. If Brock lost, im sure some fans would be shocked from the USA, but they would get over it and the demand for Fedor would increase 10x and the pressure would once again be on The Last Emperors management to get a deal done.....

everybody who acts like Fedor is in the right needs to ask themselves this.... why is he the only fighter that deserves so many special concessions?? Where do you draw the line?? What will guys who already are a bigger draw $ wise then Fedor want in the future?? What happens when/if Fedor loses?? Is he still worth unprecended $ and 50% promotion?? Will somebody else step up and ask for the same deal (Anderson, GSP or Brock for example)??

This free fight wont happen, Dana should call them out tho, he has NOTHING to lose, UFC is becoming engrained in American popular culture (it already is here in Canada, it's a BIG deal) and one Brock loss isnt going to change that.

I know for some of the Fedor fans it's bigger then Fedor vs Brock.... it's Fedor vs the UFC, Fedor vs America.... you want Russia to finally win?? haha, sorry, you lose again ;P you want somehow magically for Fedor to beat Brock and it to somehow bring down the UFC.... again....


CLIFF NOTES

-M1 tells a nice story

- Dana says "Cool Story, Bro"
 
#55 ·
if m1 is so big and popular why can they only put on real international quality shows by co-promoting?? Maybe because they arent nearly as big and as popular as ppl are saying.... i've watched the lame m1 world challenge stuff on HDnet... poor production to poor commentating to mostly poor fighters.... = a crappy event (altho there's a couple fighters there i enjoy like Karl "Psycho" Amoussou).
What makes you think some of those people are not quality international fighters? Most of the ranked fighters western countries have are so biased towards fighters western audiances see. What I saw is a better quality show than some UFC cards.

They simply cant put on big shows that will get millions of viewers or hundreds of thousands of PPV buyers.... they just arent that profitable which is why they try to leech of companies that are.
Again 6 million people watched the Fedor fight in Russia at 4am. How many can the UFC pull in at that same time?

M1 has been promoting fights in Asia and Europe and has succeded in having its shows broadcast on major free to air channels. M1 has promoted Fedor and this has obviously worked. Fedor is very popular man in Asia especially Korea and Japan where he attends major talk shows and entertainment shows, Fedor has presidential and high ranking political friends, Fedor also gets a very warm/large reception in many countries where he is regarded as a hero.

As for this fighting for free.... Brock seems like the kinda guy that would fight for free if you insult him at a bar in backwoods Minnesota.

Fedor seems like the kind of guy who would fight for free if it was organized and properly reffed.
This is what makes these two different, Fedor has class and has the brains. Brock is just another muscle head full of himself. It doesnt help temper that ego when you have dana White on your side.



Ppl believing M1 need to give their heads a shake tho.... they wont let Fedor fight for any company unless you give them half, but they are gonna let the biggest fight ever go for free?? How unlikely is that?? They need the $$.... UFC doesnt... what does the UFC really have to lose?? Do you really think the UFC goes broke if Brock lost a fight to Fedor??:sarcastic12: M1 is the only company with something to lose.
Well Fedor does own 20% of the company. M1 is willing to co produce and co promote i.e. share in all the risks, costs and profits. This is fair. M1 has been able to work with many other promotion companies around the globe without a problem. Its the UFC that refuses to work with any other promotion companies.



everybody who acts like Fedor is in the right needs to ask themselves this.... why is he the only fighter that deserves so many special concessions?? Where do you draw the line?? What will guys who already are a bigger draw $ wise then Fedor want in the future?? What happens when/if Fedor loses?? Is he still worth unprecended $ and 50% promotion?? Will somebody else step up and ask for the same deal (Anderson, GSP or Brock for example)??


This is where you and I, and where the UFC and M1 disagree. For me its not just about show, I dont want MMA to be run like WWE and dont want the belt to be given out to just anyone or to the popular fighter. I want the fighters to earn it and to prove themselves by fighting many fighters and if they loose then going back and fighting many other fighters before a rematch etc.I want MMA to be run like a proper SPORT.

What the UFC is doing now is going the entertainment route with a POPULAR 4-1 fighter. They might as well give Kimbo a shot at the belt, im sure he will rake in the PPV millions.
 
#56 ·
Wasnt the 50% promotion thing only in certain regions? I'm sure I've seen some quotes from M-1 saying they never asked for world wide co-promotion. Only in their strong regions. This makes far more sense to me. Typical that Dana would take that 50% figure out of context and use it to make the Russians sound like criminals.

I could be wrong of course. I'm trying to dig up the quotes...
 
#57 ·
Hooray! The biggest HW fight that can be made....and it's gonna be free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:(

Won't happen, but kudos to Dana for saying he's down. M-1 was bluffing for sure. Fedor may fight for free, but M-1 needs a meal ticket.
 
#61 ·
You can see all of Fedors fights on the net and on free tv, its not much of a stretch for M1 to show the fight free of charge as per their usual practice. The UFC on the other hand normally has PPV and most of its fights are not freely available.

Dana has only said that hes down, its still his move. Bring down Brock and or another top UFC heavyweight to Russia and let all MMA fans watch a free event. AGAIN DANA HASNT RESPONDED TO M1's CHALLENGE/REQUEST!!!!!!!


In addition and totally off topic:

First: I can find any place on Earth on a map; the internet is great.

Second: The whole "the world hates America" bullshit is irrelevant.

As it relates to MMA, America is the driving force of the sport; both financially and in terms of promotion. If the sport was not popular in the States, you likely would not be on this message board. Would MMA exist? Sure. But definitely not in the context it currently does.


Your again discounting the efforts of other promotions. There are several popular promotions in Japan and Korea that has forged their own way and have made MMA popular in those regions. M1 has also forged its own way and made MMA popular in Russia, the UFC is another that has forged its own way and has made the sport popular in America.


THE WORLD != JUST AMERICA.
 
#58 ·
In addition and totally off topic:

First: I can find any place on Earth on a map; the internet is great.

Second: The whole "the world hates America" bullshit is irrelevant.

As it relates to MMA, America is the driving force of the sport; both financially and in terms of promotion. If the sport was not popular in the States, you likely would not be on this message board. Would MMA exist? Sure. But definitely not in the context it currently does.
 
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