Vadim Finkelstein: We would like to cooperate wth the UFC
With several burgeoning MMA projects in tow, and the career of MMA’s greatest heavyweight fighter in his hands, Mr. Finkelstein…
With several burgeoning MMA projects in tow, and the career of MMA’s greatest heavyweight fighter in his hands, Mr. Finkelstein was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to sit down with FiveKnuckles.com to discuss his life, aspirations, and of course, Fedor Emelianenko.
FiveKnuckles.com: Many American fans are getting their first look at Fedor Emelianenko from his last fight against Brett Rogers, and there are many questions about his personal attitude and nature. What is Fedor like on a personal level from your perspective?
Vadim Finkelstein: Fedor is a man with iron willpower. He has very strong heart. Well-mannered, a committed Christian. Fedor has its own principles he never abandons. He doesn’t let himself relax, never gives in. I think that this is his strongest trait of character. If he has to train, he never puts it off till tomorrow. He never let neither anybody, nor himself give up. It concerns not only training, but another things as well. Very strong.
M-1 Global Executive Jerry Millen recently told the media that he would allow Fedor to fight Brock Lesnar, or any other UFC fighter for free if they came out to Stary Oskol to Fedor’s gym. Dana White responded by saying he would like to take Brock Lesnar or another of his fighters to Stary Oskol and agreed to put the fight on against Fedor for free. What is your response to Dana White accepting M1’s challenge? Does Jerry Millen speak for M-1 when he makes statements like this?
It was a good joke of Jerry that was blown up too much in web. The joke succeeded.
It has been said that Fedor has signed a 3-fight deal with Strikeforce and has two fights remaining with the next one coming against Fabricio Werdum this summer. After this deal has elapsed, would it be possible to see Fedor in the UFC?
It depends on UFC. We would like to cooperate with them. Everything depends on them, their diplomacy. It would be possible if they are flexible.
You tried cooperating with them this summer, but after negotiating with Dana White extensively to no avail, he said many bad things about you and M-1. What are your thoughts on Dana White personally?
That’s his character, he just loves to call names. He didn’t say bad things about M-1 only, there were a lot of situations where he was harsh. It makes me glad when Dana White talks about us. I respect the UFC, they’ve done a lot for the development of MMA, so I can pardon them such attacks. We respect him and let him grumble.
What are you goals and ambitions for M-1? Do you want to create a big promotion that rivals the UFC? Or do you plan to focus more on international events?
I don’t want to compete with UFC, I want to co-operate with them. I think it could be a winning solution for everybody – for us, for them, and for MMA fans.
We made the requirements and rules of the selection process tougher this year for M-1 selection tournaments. 160 fighters will participate this year, we divided them into 4 territories: America, Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, 4 tournaments for 5 weight divisions – grand prix system. The very best will move on. The next stage is M-1 Challenge where…
fighters can get to after selection tournaments, that’s the next stage. After that – Breakthrough. The fighters that had already made name for themselves would participate in this, and would have passed all the stages.
