Fedor/UFC Union to be Consummated on Friday?
Jake Rossen Jul 29, 2009
Seats at Dana White’s Friday press conference may be equipped with
seat belts: according to the
Los Angeles Times, a deal might be reached this week that would
finally bring Fedor
Emelianenko into the Octagon.
If accurate -- the Times cited a “source with information about the negotiations” -- it would end years of speculation about Emelianenko’s chances against a regular circuit of top-10 heavyweights. The timing couldn’t be better, as the UFC has a box office star in Brock Lesnar ready and able to assist in setting some new business records.
Emelianenko, who will turn 33 this September, appears to be holding steady at the pinnacle of his career: without having sustained much damage in 31 professional fights, his body’s performance has shown little sign of wear.
The UFC could, in theory, rush this fight out the door for September or October, but I would guess that Lesnar wants a vacation following his win over Frank Mir July 11; the promotion would also want enough lead time to advertise it to the best of their ability.
Update: Josh Gross says a deal is not close.
If accurate -- the Times cited a “source with information about the negotiations” -- it would end years of speculation about Emelianenko’s chances against a regular circuit of top-10 heavyweights. The timing couldn’t be better, as the UFC has a box office star in Brock Lesnar ready and able to assist in setting some new business records.
Emelianenko, who will turn 33 this September, appears to be holding steady at the pinnacle of his career: without having sustained much damage in 31 professional fights, his body’s performance has shown little sign of wear.
The UFC could, in theory, rush this fight out the door for September or October, but I would guess that Lesnar wants a vacation following his win over Frank Mir July 11; the promotion would also want enough lead time to advertise it to the best of their ability.
Update: Josh Gross says a deal is not close.
