Fedor Emelianenko Press Conference

Why did you not sign with the UFC?

The UFC has greatly helped the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and for that they should be commended. But this sport is bigger than the UFC and I wanted to do something different that would put the focus back on the athletes. I wanted to play a role in something larger than one company; I wanted to create a way where the best fighters in the world can fight each other regardless of their affiliation.

Was it because of your family wanting to stay in Russia?

Russia is my home and where I train but I am willing to go anywhere to fight the best fights. I have many supporters all over the world and with M-1, they will be able to see me in person as I plan to fight around the world.

What did the UFC offer you? Was it not enough money? Are you receiving more money with M-1?

Money is always an issue, but it was not the only issue. I wanted a voice and a say in my future. I want to have a say in where the sport is going. M-1 allows me to have a voice in the future of the sport. Money is important to feed and cloth my family, but my signing was about respect and competition. There are many great heavyweights all over the world and I want to fight them. M-1 Global will create these match-ups and bring them to MMA fans all over the world.

Did you not sign with the UFC because of Dana White?

No, I have actually never met the man. The UFC’s primary focus appears to be the US. Some of the best fighters are not in the US and I want to not be limited to fighting within one structure.

Would you fight Randy Couture if given the chance?

Yes, I want to fight Randy. He is the UFC Champion regardless of his resignation.– he is the second best fighter in the world (laughing). No, I have a great deal of respect for Randy. He is a great champion and a great ambassador for the sport. The fans deserve to see this fight and to not wait years for it to happen. I see no reason why I shouldn’t be able to fight Randy by the end of 2008. It is good for the fans, good for the sport, and good for the fighters.

Other highlights courtesy of UFCMania.com

UFC turned down an offer to match Emelianenko up against Tim Sylvia when both were champions in there respective organizations.

Fedor mentioned that his brother, Aleks, was offered a “low ball” contract to fight inside the Octagon. The goal is to sign him to an M-1 contract as soon as possible.

M-1 has in the past followed PRIDE FC rules and will continue to do so until a more universal set of rules can be established (if possible).

Fedor rejects the “number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world” label because he feels he has yet to fight and defeat all the best fighters in the world.

M-1 executives plan to hold a major event in Tokyo as soon as July.

Similar to PRIDE FC, live events under the M-1 banner will have as much emphasis on the event as the fights themselves.

Fedor, as well as any fighter under contract for M-1, will be allowed to compete for other organizations if the timing and profits make sense.

M-1 has been around for years as an entity in Europe and now as a global company will try and replicate that success in the United States and other countries.

Monte Cox hopes that UFC fighters nearing the end of their contract will consider fighting for M-1 because of Fedor’s presence and the global mentality.

Fedor is humbled by Randy Couture as a fighter but more so as a person. Hopes he can work out his situation with the UFC and would be honored to fight him somewhere down the road.