And to think the UFC was worried.
Fedor Emelianenko cruised to his fourth Combat Sambo title on Saturday in Prague and hardly broke a sweat in the process thanks to some unusual circumstances.
Here’s a summary from Sherdog:
To do so, he had to step on the mats only once. The 220-plus-pound representative from Uzbekistan did not show in Prague, thus giving Fedor a bye to the semifinals. There he quickly took out a Bulgarian fighter via choke to set up a meeting with a Ukrainian competitor in the finals. Much to Fedor’s chagrin, the Ukrainian fighter, who had defeated UFC veteran Kristof Midoux in the other semifinal, did not turn up either, handing Fedor the victory.
Fedor has been in the hotseat lately for signing with M-1 Global — a move many detractors have called the path of least resistance.
Despite a total of 10 world championship medals in Sambo, the circumstances behind this easy title defense will no doubt be raising some of the same eyebrows.
During contract negotiations with the UFC back in July, manager Vadim Finkelstein revealed that the UFC brass did not want Fedor to participate in Sambo tournaments, including Saturday’s event in Prague.
While no one can say for sure if that was the straw that broke the camel’s back, it’s obvious that both sides were steadfast in their positions and unable to reach an agreement on terms.
I now wonder if Saturday’s result has anyone in the UFC second-guessing that decision.
60 Comments »
So he won a Sambo tournament. Whoopteedoo.
Makoto Takimoto and Naoya Ogawa are both judo gold medalists. Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman are NCAA champs. Doesn’t prove they’re the best.
Dana is second guesing his desicion so much so hes probably not sleeping well at night, Because if he would have comprimised a littel more Fedor would have signed and cotoure would not have resigned.
Then the UFC could have put on the biggest MMA event ever on superbowl weekend RC vs FE. Dana and the frietietas could have made millions….Dana second guesing is an understatement.
I have an idea… I believe once the talks with Fedor fell trough with the UFC Randy came up with a plan. He felt that the image of Dana white was not the greatest among fans and mma writers. So by creating a little stink the still “wet behind the ears UFC” would drop Randy from his contract. This would save them some possible public humiliation. Thus leaving Randy with the ability to head to M1 Global to fight the only fight that makes for him at this time. He was placed in a dilema when the UFC brass decided to counter his move with a deffence. So now Randy is left with 9months till he is available and at his age that is no cake walk. Plus the possiblilty Fedor will loose in that time period. This leaves Randy with nothing…I do feel this was his intention. So Fedor come to the UFC and lets Just get this over…
There were many other requests besides fedor entering sambo tournaments… just something the UFC is not willing to do at this time… it would upset some of the watered down contracts many of the UFC fighters are currently under.
UFC is so focused on it’s on TUF guys that it’s losing sight of the real fighters out there. Look at UFC 78. What a pity.
Who exactly fights in Sambo besides Fedor and his entire family? Why is this guy still competing if the sport is so non-competitive? Can’t he promote the sport by being a spokesperson or somethin.
[quote comment="208219"]Who exactly fights in Sambo besides Fedor and his entire family? Why is this guy still competing if the sport is so non-competitive? Can’t he promote the sport by being a spokesperson or somethin.[/quote]
The sport is non-competitive? What do you know?!?! Have you been to one? NO! So keep your comments to yourself… It’s just that he is soo damn good that’s why.
[quote post="3861"]competing [/quote]
evangelion…Dominic could not be any closer to the truth. It is obvious that Fedor is involved in russian syndicate through his management portion. This explains his pledge to the imensley weak SAMBO and the even more disturbingly weak M1. So you should get up to date with martial arts befor you trash an educated fan such as Dominic.
he only fought once . . . whats with this guy. did m-1 take the fighters out so their golden boy wouldnt get hurt. man, dana you shouldve just done it like that. doaa!
i’m so sick of this crap!
[quote comment="208219"]Who exactly fights in Sambo besides Fedor and his entire family? Why is this guy still competing if the sport is so non-competitive? Can’t he promote the sport by being a spokesperson or somethin.[/quote]
According to an article, there were more than 700 fighters from 45 countries of the world…
what is sambo? it sounds like its a little bit like bjj. What are the differnces?
[quote comment="208273"]what is sambo? it sounds like its a little bit like bjj. What are the differnces?[/quote]
Sambo is more or less trying to get oppnants on there back, but combat sambo has strikes and crap
[quote comment="208173"]Dana is second guesing his desicion so much so hes probably not sleeping well at night, Because if he would have comprimised a littel more Fedor would have signed and cotoure would not have resigned.
Then the UFC could have put on the biggest MMA event ever on superbowl weekend RC vs FE. Dana and the frietietas could have made millions….Dana second guesing is an understatement.[/quote]
There was more to it than just Sambo. Dana might be a little disappointed that he couldn’t get Fedor, but I doubt it’s bothering him.
[quote comment="208273"]what is sambo? it sounds like its a little bit like bjj. What are the differnces?[/quote]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambo_(martial_art)
Combat Sambo (Russian: Ñþõòþõ áðüñþ, Boyevoye Sambo). Utilized and developed for the military, this is arguably the root of Sambo as it is now known, and includes practice with weapons and disarming techniques. Competition in combat sambo resembles older forms of judo and modern mixed martial arts, including extensive forms of striking and grappling. The first FIAS World Sambo Championships were held in 2001.
“Despite a total of ten world championship medals in Sambo, the circumstances behind this easy title defense will no doubt be raising some of the same eyebrows.”—— I already can see ppl posting here things like:
1) Fedor didn’t want to fight the other two guys ‘cos he was scared
2) Russian President Putin had ordered to poison the other two fighters so Fedor could win
3) Russian Mafia helped Fedor by killing the other two guys.
4) M-1 paid the other two guys for not showing up for the fights…
etc
why does make fedor so good,that its almost fighting is created for him,
does he has a mentality of michael jordan like the way michael has the kind of mentallity to basketball that other players dont have?
[quote comment="208312"]“Despite a total of ten world championship medals in Sambo, the circumstances behind this easy title defense will no doubt be raising some of the same eyebrows.”—— I already can see ppl posting here things like:
1) Fedor didn’t want to fight the other two guys ‘cos he was scared
2) Russian President Putin had ordered to poison the other two fighters so Fedor could win
3) Russian Mafia helped Fedor by killing the other two guys.
4) M-1 paid the other two guys for not showing up for the fights…
etc[/quote]
number 4 isn’t too far fetched…..why would someone fight all the way to the finals then not show up….does sound unusual
no. all 4 statements are silly, lukey
[quote comment="208395"][quote comment="208312"]“Despite a total of ten world championship medals in Sambo, the circumstances behind this easy title defense will no doubt be raising some of the same eyebrows.”—— I already can see ppl posting here things like:
1) Fedor didn’t want to fight the other two guys ‘cos he was scared
2) Russian President Putin had ordered to poison the other two fighters so Fedor could win
3) Russian Mafia helped Fedor by killing the other two guys.
4) M-1 paid the other two guys for not showing up for the fights…
etc[/quote]
number 4 isn’t too far fetched…..why would someone fight all the way to the finals then not show up….does sound unusual[/quote]
Well, maybe he drunk too much vodka the night before…
[quote comment="208395"][quote comment="208312"]“Despite a total of ten world championship medals in Sambo, the circumstances behind this easy title defense will no doubt be raising some of the same eyebrows.”—— I already can see ppl posting here things like:
1) Fedor didn’t want to fight the other two guys ‘cos he was scared
2) Russian President Putin had ordered to poison the other two fighters so Fedor could win
3) Russian Mafia helped Fedor by killing the other two guys.
4) M-1 paid the other two guys for not showing up for the fights…
etc[/quote]
number 4 isn’t too far fetched…..why would someone fight all the way to the finals then not show up….does sound unusual[/quote]
Maybe because they didnt want any part of Fedor…..would u?
Is this what his management turned down a UFC contract for? I can understand if Sambo is part of Fedor’s culture etc, but it does kinda seem like small potatoes…
John, how was that russian sambo on human weapon?
Why would Dana be second guessing anything ?
The truth is Fedor was pushing to fight in these Sambo events, and then two competitors don’t even show up.
Maybe he should have chose his battles.
Anybody in business knows if you sign someone to a contract it should be an EXCLUSIVE contract, you don’t want UFC fighters fighting in other organizations, it just doesn’t make business sense. Even in Fedor’s case.
I still think this guy will come around.
He’s not going to have any decent competition in other organizations. He may as well signed up with Elite XC, the big joke of the MMA community.
[quote comment="208269"][quote comment="208219"]Who exactly fights in Sambo besides Fedor and his entire family? Why is this guy still competing if the sport is so non-competitive? Can’t he promote the sport by being a spokesperson or somethin.[/quote]
According to an article, there were more than 700 fighters from 45 countries of the world…[/quote]
And yet, Fedor only had to fight once to win. According to the article above, even if all of his competitors had shown up, that would have been 3 fights, which meant that there were originally 8 fighters in that ‘division’ or ‘bracket’.
[quote post="3861"]He’s not going to have any decent competition in other organizations. He may as well signed up with Elite XC, the big joke of the MMA community. [/quote]
I actually find Elite XC to be the best brand of MMA besides UFC/WEC. I group the WEC with UFC because they are owned by them and have the same production. I would have MUCH preferred to see Fedor sign with EliteXC than M1 Global. I never even heard of them previous to the signing. Don’t know if you watched their event on Saturday (I haven’t read the comments yet on that event, I’m working my way down the threads this morning), but there were 2 fighters that I would LOVE to see fight Fedor rather than Pedro Rizzo. Actually, in about a year or so, with a lot of work, I wouldnt be 100% surpised to see Fedor lose to either one of these fighters. Antonio ‘Big Foot’ Silva and yes, Kimbo Slice. I mean, remember, we are comparing them to a old, fat, washed up Pedro Rizzo. I have seen Silva fight about 4 times now and he is a monster. He is super fast for his immense size. He fought at Super Heavy Weight, but this past weekend he cut down to 265 lbs. Big Foot Silva in the Heavy Weight division would be awesome. I would LOVE to see him KO Timmy Sylvia. A fight between those two would be awesome. Timmy would be back peddaling the whole time.
I must say, Kimbo looked great in his mma debut. But then again, his opponent Bo Cantrell wanted no part of him. As long as a fight between Kimbo and Fedor stayed on its feet, it would be extremely entertaining. Although I would have to say that currently, Antonio Silva has the better chance because if Kimbo was taken to the ground, which he would, he would obviously be submitted in 2 seconds. However, if he can work on his take down defence and become the Chuck Liddell of the HW division in that regards, he will be a force to be reckoned with! I truely look forward to watching his fights to come!
best in the world baby!!!
Midoux is a good fighter, but… mostly judo kicks and what not. If he were LHW Id say he would be a much better fighter, but nothing overly impressive has come from him except the ocassional spin kick.. Nothing much to brag about there.. especially when you do boast that you ARE the greatest in the world…
Isn’t arlovski a sambo fighter???
[quote comment="208312"]“Despite a total of ten world championship medals in Sambo, the circumstances behind this easy title defense will no doubt be raising some of the same eyebrows.”—— I already can see ppl posting here things like:
1) Fedor didn’t want to fight the other two guys ‘cos he was scared
2) Russian President Putin had ordered to poison the other two fighters so Fedor could win
3) Russian Mafia helped Fedor by killing the other two guys.
4) M-1 paid the other two guys for not showing up for the fights…
etc[/quote]
Number 1, and thats my final answer!
[quote comment="208250"][quote comment="208219"]Who exactly fights in Sambo besides Fedor and his entire family? Why is this guy still competing if the sport is so non-competitive? Can’t he promote the sport by being a spokesperson or somethin.[/quote]
The sport is non-competitive? What do you know?!?! Have you been to one? NO! So keep your comments to yourself… It’s just that he is soo damn good that’s why.[/quote]
Sure he is good but I think this past turnament shows that he did not have much competition……..”To do so, he had to step on the mats only once. The 220-plus-pound representative from Uzbekistan did not show in Prague, thus giving Fedor a bye to the semifinals. There he quickly took out a Bulgarian fighter via choke to set up a meeting with a Ukrainian competitor in the finals. Much to Fedor’s chagrin, the Ukrainian fighter, who had defeated UFC veteran Kristof Midoux in the other semifinal, did not turn up either, handing Fedor the victory”
Yep stepped on the mat ONCE!!!!!!
He has won so many that his opponents know what is likely to happen if they step on with him..
[quote comment="208511"][quote comment="208269"][quote comment="208219"]Who exactly fights in Sambo besides Fedor and his entire family? Why is this guy still competing if the sport is so non-competitive? Can’t he promote the sport by being a spokesperson or somethin.[/quote]
According to an article, there were more than 700 fighters from 45 countries of the world…[/quote]
And yet, Fedor only had to fight once to win. According to the article above, even if all of his competitors had shown up, that would have been 3 fights, which meant that there were originally 8 fighters in that ‘division’ or ‘bracket’.
[/quote]
That’s ‘cos majority of those 700 were performing in “regular” sambo in all weight categories including women’s sambo. Fedor on other hand is Combat Sambo fighter and yes in his “open weight” division he’d have to fight 3 times just to defend his title.
[quote comment="208550"]Isn’t arlovski a sambo fighter???[/quote]
Yes, only in sport sambo
What kind of a coward would fight to the finals of a supposedly major tournament only to back out because he was scared of the opponent? Is that the kind of fighters they get for these things?
[quote post="3861"]What kind of a coward would fight to the finals of a supposedly major tournament only to back out because he was scared of the opponent? Is that the kind of fighters they get for these things? [/quote]
Clearly this is the type of fighters that compete in this combat sambo…people who are afraid of good competition that might beat them. No wonder Fedor is so at home in this Sambo sport.
Why cant he just represent Russia in the UFC rather than in Sambo? They are pretty much the same thing, except people actually show up to fight in the UFC. The UFC coulda easily paid Fedor’s opponents not to show up, or give up very quickly, just like Elite XC did with Cantrell.
No wonder he would rather fight in this nonsense than face Randy or somebody else in UFC who has heart and testicles.
I just wish Randy and Fedor would work someting out with the UFC so Randy could beat the hell out of this guy. To be considered the greatest you have to beat the greatest. Hey Randy, don’t do it for Dana, don’t do it for Fedor, don’t do it for the UFC, don’t do it for the media, do it for your fans. The same fans that want you to prove you can beat this Russian Terd.
[quote comment="208681"]I just wish Randy and Fedor would work someting out with the UFC so Randy could beat the hell out of this guy. To be considered the greatest you have to beat the greatest. Hey Randy, don’t do it for Dana, don’t do it for Fedor, don’t do it for the UFC, don’t do it for the media, do it for your fans. The same fans that want you to prove you can beat this Russian Terd.[/quote]
lol, you’re funny, man
Fedor who? M-1 what?
Fedor dominates a Sambo tournament. That is only a good sign. I would have liked to hear about see Fedor take on Midoux just because I had heard about Midoux. Who is the Ukranian fighter and Bulgarian fighters that didn’t show up against Fedor?
[quote comment="208723"]Fedor dominates a Sambo tournament. That is only a good sign. I would have liked to hear about see Fedor take on Midoux just because I had heard about Midoux. Who is the Ukranian fighter and Bulgarian fighters that didn’t show up against Fedor?[/quote]
You mean Uzbekistanian fighter…
try to check here: http://www.sambo.com
[quote comment="208692"][quote comment="208681"]I just wish Randy and Fedor would work someting out with the UFC so Randy could beat the hell out of this guy. To be considered the greatest you have to beat the greatest. Hey Randy, don’t do it for Dana, don’t do it for Fedor, don’t do it for the UFC, don’t do it for the media, do it for your fans. The same fans that want you to prove you can beat this Russian Terd.[/quote]
lol, you’re funny, man
[/quote]
Terd- spelled Turd… it’s such an important word, just want to make sure it gets it’s proper respect.
The sooner everyone stops talking about this over hyped, B-fighter slayer the sooner he is forgotten. Maybe when the spot light isn’t on him any more he might finally step up to real competition in the UFC and then he can prove or disprove claims that he is the #1 HW in the world.
[quote comment="208896"]The sooner everyone stops talking about this over hyped, B-fighter slayer the sooner he is forgotten. Maybe when the spot light isn’t on him any more he might finally step up to real competition in the UFC and then he can prove or disprove claims that he is the #1 HW in the world.[/quote]
he has aready proved that was the #1 heavy weight, theres nothing overhyped about the people he has beaten and intell the ufc got pride there h.w. division was weak.
[quote comment="208928"][quote comment="208896"]The sooner everyone stops talking about this over hyped, B-fighter slayer the sooner he is forgotten. Maybe when the spot light isn’t on him any more he might finally step up to real competition in the UFC and then he can prove or disprove claims that he is the #1 HW in the world.[/quote]
he has aready proved that was the #1 heavy weight, theres nothing overhyped about the people he has beaten and intell the ufc got pride there h.w. division was weak.[/quote]
He went to a weaker M-1 orginization because of his retarded Sambo Tournament and there is less competition. You could say this is kind of like Tom Brady going to NFL Europe. WHY? He is scared of the competition. Didn’t he barely beat cro cop? How many times has cro cop lost in the UFC? I don’t agree with Dana much but I will agree that he is not in the top 5.
Tom Brady is not leaving the state it was just an example.
He can hit homeruns(beat scrubs) all he wants in the minor leauge(m-1). But until he hits one in the big leauge (UFC) It means nothing. Three guys he can’t beat. 1
1 Randy 2 Gonzaga 3 Tim Sylvia. Not so sure about three but for sure not the first two.
[quote comment="208967"]1 Randy 2 Gonzaga 3 Tim Sylvia. Not so sure about three but for sure not the first two.[/quote]
he did not go to m1 because he is scared he went for the money like alot of people would have and he face a tougher crocop then you have seen. tim sylvia is tough but not even top 5. randy is a bad ass but he has lost plenty of fights so saying fedor barely beet crocop dose not make sense at all and gonzaga may be top but he still has alot to prove unless beeting crocop makes you #2 then fedor is definetly is definetly #1 by your own reasoning.and where would you place barnett, nog, and fedor then.
jimmy can you name your top 5 than, probally all ufc.
Stop all the talk of Fedor! He is all hype!
[quote comment="208955"][quote comment="208928"][quote comment="208896"]The sooner everyone stops talking about this over hyped, B-fighter slayer the sooner he is forgotten. Maybe when the spot light isn’t on him any more he might finally step up to real competition in the UFC and then he can prove or disprove claims that he is the #1 HW in the world.[/quote]
he has aready proved that was the #1 heavy weight, theres nothing overhyped about the people he has beaten and intell the ufc got pride there h.w. division was weak.[/quote]
He went to a weaker M-1 orginization because of his retarded Sambo Tournament and there is less competition. You could say this is kind of like Tom Brady going to NFL Europe. WHY? He is scared of the competition. Didn’t he barely beat cro cop? How many times has cro cop lost in the UFC? I don’t agree with Dana much but I will agree that he is not in the top 5.[/quote]
Barely??? I can guess you haven’t seen that fight…
[quote comment="208967"]1 Randy 2 Gonzaga 3 Tim Sylvia. Not so sure about three but for sure not the first two.[/quote]
Man, you full of crap… Your beloved Tim Sylvia have rejected an offer to fight Fedor in PRIDE couple of years ago. And Gonzaga??? Gonzaga is not even close to what Big Nog is and Fedor beat Big Nog 2 times… And why oversuddent Randy became a super star after winning just 2 fights agains TS/GG??? Look at Randy’s record 16-8… this is freaking ridiculous… I just wish M-1 will have a deal with UFC for those three fights so ppl like you would shut the f… up forever after Fedor’s termination those three individuals which you’ve put.
[quote comment="208928"][quote comment="208896"]The sooner everyone stops talking about this over hyped, B-fighter slayer the sooner he is forgotten. Maybe when the spot light isn’t on him any more he might finally step up to real competition in the UFC and then he can prove or disprove claims that he is the #1 HW in the world.[/quote]
he has aready proved that was the #1 heavy weight, theres nothing overhyped about the people he has beaten and intell the ufc got pride there h.w. division was weak.[/quote]
Although, if my memory serves me correctly, everytime a Pride HW fought a UFC HW, the UFC guy came out on top – with the loan exception of Eddie “Dirty” Sanchez getting beat by Cro Cop.
[quote comment="209467"][quote comment="208928"][quote comment="208896"]The sooner everyone stops talking about this over hyped, B-fighter slayer the sooner he is forgotten. Maybe when the spot light isn’t on him any more he might finally step up to real competition in the UFC and then he can prove or disprove claims that he is the #1 HW in the world.[/quote]
he has aready proved that was the #1 heavy weight, theres nothing overhyped about the people he has beaten and intell the ufc got pride there h.w. division was weak.[/quote]
Although, if my memory serves me correctly, everytime a Pride HW fought a UFC HW, the UFC guy came out on top – with the loan exception of Eddie “Dirty” Sanchez getting beat by Cro Cop.[/quote]
what top pride h.w. has lost in the ufc other then crocop
Has it escaped anyone here that pride is by far more ruthless than ufc and he dominated everyone in pride for 2 yrs before ufc bought them out? 10 min. straight of striking and grappling!!!! thats insane if you ever grappled or wrestled for 3 min. periods its like a life time. and dont forget 4point strikes, ufc is a joke compared to pride prior to ufc buying them out that is. And all you who think sambo is a joke need to research their shit better, sambo is fuckin ruthless, not to mention he is also crazy good in judo , R.C. is a great fighter but if he ever fights fedor he will be dominated completly fedor is the total package he can’t be stopped.
[quote comment="208171"]So he won a Sambo tournament. Whoopteedoo.
Makoto Takimoto and Naoya Ogawa are both judo gold medalists. Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman are NCAA champs. Doesn’t prove they’re the best.[/quote]
“Fedor is just too dominant, too good at punching people in the face. The way he punches people man he’s trying to kill people, with both hands. He’s in a whole different class by himself.”
-Brandon Vera, UFC HW contender
“Fedor’s my favorite.”
-BJ Penn
“He is the BEST”
-Mark Coleman, former UFC HW Champion and Pride GP Champion
“…and obviously Fedor”
-Dana White, UFC President on who the best fighter is
“It’s between Fedor and my wife”
-Gary Shaw, Elite XC President on who the best fighter is
“The best in the world, no doubt”
-Phil Baroni
“Look, I’ve fought many people from around the world, so I’ve seen many strong fighters. But like him, never”
-Renato Sobral
“Fedor would be absolutely great in K-1″
-Ernesto Hoost, 4-time K-1 World Champion
“Fedor is the most incredible fighter you’ll ever see”
-Frank Trigg
Even if Fedor were to sign with the UFC, who do you think would come closest to beating him? I guess the better question would be…do you think he’s mostly likely to lose on the ground or standing. Both of his games seem absolutely impregnable.
Here arefew things to remember when talking about Fedor:
Fedor Emilianenko always tests positive for steroids. Not that he uses steroids. It’s because steroids are made from Fedor Emilianenko.
Fedor Emilianenko does not get taken down. He puts himself in a disadvantageous position so as to raise his opponents hopes before smashing their skulls, hopes and dreams.
Fedor Emilianenko never retreats, he just attacks in the opposite direction.
Fedor Emilianenko doesn’t need to eat, sleep, or use the bathroom because his organs are afraid of making him angry.
…and on the seventh day Fedor Emilianenko said: “I’ll take it from here.”