During a new interview with Sherdog.com, M-1 Global Co-owner and President Vadim Finkelchtein makes his case as to why M-1 Global is worthy of a co-promotional relationship with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“… We’re a really big company and a good company,” said Finkelchtein. “We made them a really good offer. And it’s not like we came to them as just ‘takers.’ We are presenting one of the great fighters in the world and it’s not like we try only to earn money — we develop MMA all over the world.”

Finkelchtein’s comment regarding M-1 doing its part to develop MMA all over the world is supported by his M-1 Challenge fight series having fought in countries such as Finland, Spain, Bulgaria, Russia, Brazil, South Korea, and Japan during its 18-month existence. By running shows in places such as Finland, Spain, Russia, Korea, and Bulgaria, M-1 has made an impact in growing MMA’s awareness in those countries.

During the interview, Finkelchtein was also asked to respond to UFC President Dana White’s past negative statements towards M-1, such as the time when he referred to Fedor’s management as “Crazy Russians.”

“It was not really hard or very difficult (to get past White’s caustic statements and focus on negotiations),” Finkelchtein began. “… They’ve really achieved a lot and they did a lot for MMA and I really respect them for that. I do not feel offended or insulted because I don’t pay attention to that… We’re not in a situation where we don’t have any way out. That’s why if they accept our offer we’ll be happy to work with them. If they do no accept our offer, we’ll move forward.”

Click here to listen to the interview in its entirety.