Fedor
Emelianenko has criticized
Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana
White over the promotion’s attempts to sign him, accusing the
executive of repeatedly changing his account of their failed
negotiations.
Speaking to Russian YouTube channel Ushatayka, Emelianenko
questioned White’s approach and recalled receiving offers while
under contract elsewhere. He also denied negotiating a fight with
former UFC heavyweight champion Francis
Ngannou, saying he had discussed only a hypothetical boxing
matchup.
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Fedor Emelianenko explains why UFC negotiations failed and
questions Dana White’s changing account
Emelianenko said the UFC failed to sign him when he was available
but pursued him after he had committed to Strikeforce.
He questioned the timing of those approaches, saying accepting
another contract could have exposed him to legal proceedings.
The Russian veteran suggested that a contractual dispute could have
prevented him from competing while it was resolved.
“Honestly, I didn’t understand,” Emelianenko said. “I didn’t
understand the point of his actions. He came over saying, ‘I want
you to fight for me.’ He made that very clear, but one fight
earlier, I’d been a free agent. I was free and they didn’t sign me.
… It happened every time.”
“When I’m free, they aren’t interested. When I’m under contract,
the offers start coming, but if you’re under contract, you can’t
sign another one. There would be legal proceedings,” he added.
Speaking about White, Emelianenko said, “There are different kinds
of businessmen. Some are decent and respectful. Some people don’t
even need a contract. A handshake is enough, they keep their word.
But now Dana is talking all sorts of nonsense. First he wanted me,
then he didn’t. Then he regretted it, then he’s glad he never
signed me. The man talks and changes his story. He simply doesn’t
stand by his words. His way of doing business doesn’t sit well with
me.”