The legendary Russian mixed martial arts fighter Fedor Emelianenko, performing in Bellator, explained why he never became a UFC fighter. He pointed to the boorish behavior of the president of the league, Dana White.
“Dana White behaved incorrectly, spoke boorishly. We met with him on the island when I already signed with Strikeforce. They expressed a desire to meet, flew in on a private jet and talked. But I already had a contract.
If I signed with the UFC, Strikeforce would sue me. As a result, I would not have fought either here or there while the trial was going on. It could take years. When asked whether they are ready to pay a penalty if such a process goes on, no one gave any guarantees. I didn’t understand the meaning of this meeting at all, because I had a valid contract. Vadim Finkelstein wanted to hear something, some numbers, so he made a meeting.
When I was free, Dana White offered nothing. I got a contract, I was offered large sums, but what’s the point? I would simply be “extinguished” without fights, and that’s it, ” Emelianenko is quoted by Telesport.
