Aug 01 Dana White: F*ck Fedor

I am sure that this is a sentiment that many now share with Dana White, who went off during a press conference about how negotiations to sign Fedor Emelianenko have gone thus far. The major sticking point appears to be M-1 Global's insistence that they be able to co-promote events with UFC that, I would assume, would headline Fedor. Fedor Emelianenko is widely considered to be the best pound for pound fighter in the world, but when you look at his record, Dana White makes a valid point to question it. Emelianenko has not fought a top fighter in the prime of his career since at least 2004. While his last 2 fights were against former UFC Heavyweight Champions Andrei Arlovski and Tim Sylvia, both fighters have lasted a combined 31 SECONDS against their next opponents. Arlovski was caught against an up and comer, but still relatively unknown Brett Rogers, while Sylvia only lasted 9 seconds against an almost 50 year old former boxer Ray Mercer.

Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira had over 20 MMA wins when he fought Fedor for the first time. Nogueira's only loss coming at the hands of Dan Henderson, a loss that he had avenged just prior to his fight against Emelianenko. Fedor beat Nogueira twice, and Mirko Filipovic (AKA Cro Cop) once during a time when they were considered top fighters and in the prime of their careers. Some may point to Mark Coleman as being in that category as well, but he was never an elite fighter. Pride fighters garnered a lot of hype amongst the hardcore MMA fans, a lot of whom looked at Pride as an alternative to the "evil empire" that was the UFC. But a lot of these were the same fans who felt Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou was the next big thing as well, only to see him get squashed against UFC caliber opponents.

If Fedor wanted to prove to the world, or even just himself that he truly is the best in the world, he would have taken the "assload" of money offered by the UFC, the immediate title shot against an opponent many people think he can beat (Bobby Lashley among them), and show what he can do. If he can't step up when an opportunity like this presents itself, then fuck him! Top rankings go to fighters who deserve it, and I will make sure of that going forward, The Franchise only ranks fighters that want to be there. M1 has issued a press release commenting on the fact that the reports surrounding the details of the negotiations are "incorrect". Dana White may be wrong in the way he talks, and for being as blunt is he is, but you can usually take what you hear him say straight to the bank. Here is audio on his latest rant against Fedor.

Tags: Dana White \ Fedor Emelianenko \ M1 Global \ UFC

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