Fedor Emelianenko is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. However, many fans and experts have often wondered ” Why Fedor Emelianenko never fought in UFC”
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind Fedor Emelianenko’s absence from the UFC and delve into the events and circumstances that led to this outcome.
Several years ago, there were discussions between Emelianenko and the UFC behind the scenes, hinting at a potential collaboration. However, despite the speculation and excitement, a deal was never finalized to bring “The Last Emperor” to the UFC.
Emelianenko himself has offered his perspective on the matter, stating that if the deal with the UFC was meant to happen, it would have happened. He also mentioned that he had fought and defeated many UFC champions throughout his career, so the fact that he never competed in the organization didn’t bother him.
One significant moment that seemed to offer hope for Emelianenko’s UFC debut was when the UFC acquired Pride, a rival MMA organization. At that time, it seemed like a possibility for Emelianenko to join the UFC. However, Dana White, the president of the UFC, did not sign the contract, leading to the missed opportunity.
Emelianenko has been vocal about his thoughts on Dana White, criticizing him for his alleged lack of respect towards fighters and prioritizing financial gain. In response, White claimed that he hardly knew Emelianenko, emphasizing that they had only met once and that Emelianenko should have been more focused on financial matters when they made him an offer.
Emelianenko explained that the meeting with White, which took place over a decade ago, felt somewhat pointless to him. At that time, he already had a contract with Strikeforce, and signing a new contract with the UFC would have resulted in legal complications and prevented him from fighting for both organizations.
Ultimately, the combination of failed negotiations, disagreements over contract terms, and Emelianenko’s existing commitments to other organizations prevented him from ever stepping foot inside the UFC Octagon. Despite this, his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history remains intact.
In conclusion, there are various factors that contributed to Fedor Emelianenko never fighting in the UFC. From failed negotiations to disagreements over contracts, the stars never aligned for this dream matchup to materialize. Nevertheless, Emelianenko’s remarkable career and dominance in the sport have solidified his status as a legendary figure in MMA, even without a UFC stint.
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