A recent article by Fighters.com takes an unbiased look at the now infamous relationship between M-1global and the UFC as it relates to the contract negotiations for the services of Fedor Emelianenko.

“Fedor is bigger than the UFC all over the world,” Finkelchtein repeated to Fighters.com, a claim hard to verify, but likely true in three key markets: Russia, Japan, and South Korea.  “In Korea, little children know Fedor’s name,” Finkelchtein added.

But, when White came requesting Emelianenko fight in the UFC after Affliction’s collapse, Emelianenko and Finkelchtein graciously decided to press the reset button on the relationship.    Besides, Affliction had switched allegiances seemingly overnight to partner with the UFC and left M-1 Global without a partner with which to co-promote Emelianenko’s fights.

But, Finkelchtein now regrets that decision.  Emelianenko and Finkelchtein laid out their requirements for Emelianenko to fight in any promotion, even the UFC.  Their demands were much the same as during the previous negotiations, and did not include a request for 50% of the UFC (as White has claimed).  It’s important to Finkelchtein for everyone to recognize that Emelianenko is not a free agent, and was not during the negotiations with the UFC.  Emelianenko is contractually obligated to M-1 Global, as well as a stakeholder in the MMA promotion.  Any fights featuring Emelianenko must be co-promotions with M-1 Global, per Emelianenko’s contract with M-1 Global.

click here to read the article in full.