M-1: Fedor, UFC Still Talking; Leaks ‘Unfortunate’

M-1 Global President Vadim Finkelstein released a statement Friday in which he criticized reports that Fedor Emelianenko had turned down a lucrative offer from the UFC and he stressed that talks with the promotion are ongoing.

“It is unfortunate that so much incorrect information has been leaked to the public,” Finkelstein said. “It is M-1's preference not to negotiate in public and we are unsure why people claim that Fedor and M-1 turned down a six-fight, $30-million contract to fight in the UFC when no such offer was ever made.

“Even though Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White did not meet with Fedor in person on Tuesday, they were represented over the phone. Outside of representatives of the UFC and M-1, no other company was represented during our negotiations. Since we did not go to the media with details of the meeting and only responded to the erroneous reports, we are unsure how these reports started.”

CBS Radio host Carmichael Dave reported Wednesday that Emelianenko had turned down an agreement that would have paid him $5 million per fight and $30 million total. Sources for the information were not named.

"It's unfortunate because these type of tactics will not help ensure that M-1's talks with the UFC are fruitful,” Finkelstein said. “M-1 Global is still interested in continuing to negotiate with the UFC and while we are fielding offers from other major promotions; nothing has been decided. It is our hope that the UFC will remain in active dialogue with us as we try to find ways for us to work together. All we are asking is that there is give-and-take in the negotiations and that they are not one-sided."

Multiple reports this week have focused on M-1’s demand that the UFC co-promote with them. UFC officials said the earliest they might comment on the matter would be Friday during a conference call.