Is Fedor Emelianenko's Legacy Within M-1's, The UFC's, Or His Control

According to Jeremy Botter with Inside Fights the UFC has laid upon the table an offering sufficient enough to topple records.

Here are some of the specifics of the contract that was extended and denied by Fedor Emelianenko and his management:

• A six-fight, $30 million deal
• An immediate title shot against Brock Lesnar
• M-1 Global would receive a cut of PPV revenue on top of Emelianenko’s contracted purse
• Fedor would be able to wear as much M1 gear as he wanted
• Fedor would be allowed to fight in combat sambo

This is what M-1 turned down? This is what they deemed to be an insufficient offer?

I cannot imagine a valid reason for turning down this contract. It seems as though Zuffa relented on everything except the co-promotional aspect that M-1 is demanded, and M-1 won't meet them anywhere close to halfway in the middle.

By Jeremy Botter - July 29, 2009

With an unexpected compromising approach, apparently Zuffa has allowed for an open dialogue based on assumed expectations of Fedor's camp. 

It was also reported that the two sides are far apart on negotiations concerning Fedor's debut in the UFC. 

While no fan in their right mind would dare contest Fedors accomplishments in the fight game, there truly is a missing link to his legacy. 

He must, absolutely step into the cage with the best the world has to offer today, now, and even tomorrow to be considered as great as the hype makes him out to be.

Even with some great alternative and respectable promotions out there, that talent mentioned before can only be found on the grandest stage in MMA, the UFC.

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Fedor can bring his brand of fight into the UFC HW division and make tsunami type waves. It is getting him to the octagon door that seems to be the hang up.

Bottom line is, if red tape keeps him from his potential as not only fighter, but a legend and historical figure in the sport, we have all been robbed.

He can not solidify his name if he does not meet the UFC halfway on this. We have seen nothing less than strong arm tactics, and absolute minimal compromise from the expectations of the UFC in many cases. 

In an unprecedented example of their interest, and willingness to sign Fedor the UFC has budged on nearly every facet.  They have offered the world to Fedor. 

No one, and I mean no one can bring Fedor to the light like the UFC could, so the unexpected benefits are astronomical. Is there nothing that can make this so?

If Fedor refuses to sign, if he chooses to defy logic and continue to follow his unique path then hats off to the man.  He did it his way, and that is admirable with out a doubt. 

There is no higher dignity than walking to the beat of your own drum. There is no higher honor than calling your own shots. Sadly though if he happens to pass on this now, he must be less considered as a legend, and more of a revolutionist.

That is no less respectable in this sport. It is built on adaptation and change.

While his all time record is astonishing, and beyond description. He is still in his prime and must fight the absolute best to continue proving his worth as a legend.  He can not fight second tier fighters and prove a legacy.

He missed his opportunity to prove his legendary status against Couture when they were in their primes. With the waves Lesnar is making, there is no better man to pit against him than the perceived best HW fighter walking the earth.

It is a win, win, win for everyone, but for some reason we all keep losing. 

Politics should not keep Fedor from cementing his legacy. His team would do good to acknowledge that Fedor is bigger than their aspirations.  

Ali had alternate outside opinions as to how his career should have gone and what it should have represented. He chose his own path and was legendary regardless. 

Perhaps a legendary champion of today in a sport not far removed from Ali's could learn a thing or two from a champion of yesterday.