Fedor vs. Hendo, expensive loser go home?
Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson meet in a Chicago area cage a little less than two weeks from today, it…
Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson meet in a Chicago area cage a little less than two weeks from today, it will likely be the last time one of them competes under the promotion’s banner.
According to multiple sources, one of the core components of the matchmaking process in regards to their headlining bout on July 30 was the ability to sever professional ties with the loser based on the amount each earns in comparison to their perceived market value, as contracts are generally structured to allow for immediate release in the event of defeat.
ESPN reported the two fighters are scheduled to earn $2.3 million combined for their July 30 fight with Henderson taking home an $800,000 paycheck and Fedor the remaining amount. The entire disclosed payroll of UFC 132, the most recent PPV event for the world’s foremost MMA promotion, was more than a million dollars less.
Whether Zuffa would renegotiate terms with Hendo if he loses, or if the former Olympic wrestler would even want to re-sign, are unknown.
A third consecutive stumble for Fedor would not only be disastrous on a professional level, but also likely mark the end of his Strikeforce career given the kingly sum demanded by The Last Emperor.