Fedor Emelianenko (25-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), arguably the No. 1 fighter in the world and PRIDE Fighting Championships’ heavyweight champion, recently stated that a contract extension he reportedly signed with PRIDE late in 2006 was not officially completed, according to CBS SportsLine.com’s Sam Caplan.
PRIDE was recently purchased by Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, primary owners of the UFC’s parent company. And though PRIDE has a number of elite fighters, Emelianenko was surely considered the most important piece of the acquisition.
During a conference call last week, UFC president Dana White stated that the fighter was signed.
That’s not the case, according to Emelianenko.
From SportsLine.com:
“The (Pride) contract hasn’t been concluded,” Emelianenko said through a representative of Bodog Fight, which will promote Emelianenko’s next fight against Matt Lindland on April 14.
“Yes, we have agreement with Pride, but I and (agent) Vadim Finkelshtain have not come to terms with them,” Emelianenko said.
The fear is that Emelianenko might possibly sign — or has already signed — a long-term deal with BodogFight, an organization that would seem a legitimate threat (with deep pockets) to compete with UFC/PRIDE.
Zach Arnold from FightOpinion.com first pointed out a report from Japan a few weeks ago that stated the PRIDE deal may not have been finalized and that Emelianenko may have already inked a Bodog deal.
Head over to FightOpinion.com for the full story.
Fedor Emelianenko: PRIDE Contract Not Finalized
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