Vadim Finkelstein talks about why Fedor Emelianenko has no interest in fighting Alistair Overeem and is above StrikeForce’s heavyweight title
Published on: 2nd March, 2010
![fedor_cssdxzc22w2e4g[1]](http://urdirt.com/show_image_pmpost.php?filename=/2010/03/fedor_cssdxzc22w2e4g1.jpg&cat=1&pid=37583&cache=false )
Vadim Finkelstein talks about why Fedor Emelianenko has no interest in fighting Alistair Overeem and is above StrikeForce's heavyweight title |
If you are like the rest of the MMA community, your probably wondering why Alistair Overeem is not fighting Fedor Emelianenko for the StrikeForce heavyweight title after months of building up a fight in the press and will face off against Brett Rogers this May.
In a interview with Sports.ru (via Lowkick.com),Fedor Emelianenko’s agent, Vadim Finkelstein of M-1 Globab gave his reasons why he did not want his client fighting the StrikeForce heavyweight champion. Vadim went on to say that he feels Overeem does not deserve a fight against Fedor after defeating a bunch of nobodies in DREAM.
“I personally think that Alistair Overeem did not reach the desired level to challenge Fedor. He beat a lot of no-name opponents in Mixed Martial Arts. Overeem defeated Paul Buentello and then disappeared from the United States for more than two year, which is simply ridiculous. He has nothing to offer for Fedor Emelianenko, except being a steroid bully. Also, pay attention that Werdum beat Overeem when they were fighting in Pride, four years ago.“
As for the lure of fighting for the StrikeForce heavyweight title, Finkelstein says they are just medals to Fedor and have no meaning because Fedor is above them.
“We do not fight for the Strikeforce Heavyweight Title. Strikeforce are our partner, and any titles whether it is UFC, Strikeforce, WAMMA, Dream… they are just medals. Fedor is above these things. We are interested in the level of our opponent and his popularity among the audience.”
Vadim went on to say that Fedor is interested in fighting Josh Barnett, whom he was supposed to fight at Affliction “Trilogy” last summer but tested positive in the pre-fight drug testing for steroids.
“Exactly. We are more interested in fighting Josh Barnett, who is currently disqualified until September. When he returns from his suspension and if he tests clean, we might consider fighting him.”
Recently, several rumors have surfaced stating that M-1 is attempting to re-negotiate Fedor’s current deal with StrikeForce, leading to speculation that his agents may have a deal on the table from the UFC. Vadim denied any such offer is in play for Fedor and reiterated earlier statements that his companies future would be better off without the UFC.
“No. They did not contact us in any way. I don’t think that they are ready to follow our terms and conditions. We have our own organization, tournaments and partners. It is much better for us to be without the UFC.”
It also looks like some of those rumors that Fedor and M-1 Global were holding out for a new deal from StrikeForce, which kept them out of the event on CBS this April have worked out for the management company. Josh Gross of SI.com reported on his Twitter last night that it looked likely Fedor would land a new deal with StrikeForce.
While there is a growing sentiment that M-1 Global is greedy and is ruining the best possible fights for Fedor, you have to give it to them, they are effective and get him the best money and circumstances every time he fights.
If they get Fedor a new deal they are geniuses, but should be weary of stepping on StrikeForce’s toes.What goes around comes around and asking for more money in the second fight of a three fight deal is pretty pushy.
If Fedor loses, they should be worried about StrikeForce attempting to cut ties as soon as possible.
Narcisist is the Co-owner of UR Dirt and is the designer, editor and author. URDirt.com is a MMA blog that covers the UFC, WEC, StrikeForce, DREAM and several other Mixed Martial Art promotions.
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I’m not sure if you can read, but your headline is misleading and suggests you have trouble with words.
Fedor said all titles are medals. Which is true. No world gp has determined any title. In the interest of competitiveness, you ought to consider this.
Fedor’s fight with Rogers drew 20 million viewers in Russia. He wants a new deal. Make sense?
It’s not that Fedor is greedy, it’s taht people like GSP and Lesner are servile. It’s like they don’t care that they’re getting ripped off. Oddly, Lesner then has the audacity to complain about the public option. I guess he only likes it when rich people take his money and use it for new cars and junk like that.
Fedor is a raw killer. Undisputed, undefeated watch out lesnar.
[...] [...]
[...] Originally Posted by ShreddinMMA Anyone else notice that 90% of the people bashing Fedor in this thread are whitebelts with fairly new join dates? Common trend… Yeah…those idiot bashers need to let Fedor continue to fight Werdum who is the best, and Arlovski who was UFC champion. Fedor is the best. If Fedor win then he can give them both a rematch since they are the best competition. No need for Fedor to come to UFC and kill Lesnar in under 30 seconds. Fedor doesn't want to come to UFC because he doesn't want to ruin the UFC by destroying everyone. Here is an article proving that he doesn't want to fight Overeem because Alistair is not a worthy opponent: Vadim Finkelstein talks about why Fedor Emelianenko has no interest in fighting Alistair Overeem and… [...]
[...] [...]
[...] Originally Posted by SNUC33 The pressure that will be on him against Werdum may be higher than what Chinese athletes have to deal with in the Olympics. Actually I think Fedor's fans are the biggest pressure. Fedor has been built up to be GUARANTEED to beat Lesnar. If you're Fedor, why would you want to fight Lesnar now, when you are EXPECTED to win? Now Fedor won't even fight Overeem. Again, I think it's because of pressure to not take chances of any loss. Vadim Finkelstein talks about why Fedor Emelianenko has no interest in fighting Alistair Overeem and… [...]
[...] is ducking Overeem….. Vadim Finkelstein talks about why Fedor Emelianenko has no interest in fighting Alistair Overeem and… [...]
[...] Originally Posted by rwjr88 Do you think it's possible maybe the reason Coker isn't pulling the trigger on the Overeem/Fedor fight is because he thinks that Fedor will jump ship after his 3 fight contract is up? I mean, to a degree, it makes sense. I wouldn't want my new champion leaving MY org. with the belt. And since this isn't WWE, A Montreal Screwjob is out of the question. Actually Overeem and Coker want Fedor to fight. It's M1 who doesn't want Fedor to fight Overeem. Read the article below where Vadim explains: Vadim Finkelstein talks about why Fedor Emelianenko has no interest in fighting Alistair Overeem and… [...]
[...] this answers your question Vadim Finkelstein talks about why Fedor Emelianenko has no interest in fighting Alistair Overeem and… __________________ DANA IS THE REASON WHY BABIES [...]