hope this isn't true... Rumourmill: Fedor Emelianenko to Sign with Hero's Date submitted: 17 August 2007 Author: Tom Parkes --> This content is protected Rumous have been flying around the internet that Fedor Emelianenko has signed a contract for five fights with the Hero's organisation in Japan, worth an estimated $5,000,000 ($1,000,000 per fight). Such a signing is indeed possible for Hero's, which is backed by the mighty K-1 organisation - the Worlds largest Mixed Martial Arts events organisers - yes bigger even than the UFC. K-1 typically get 40,000 - 50,000 live spectators at their largest events in Japan, and their events are screened live on terrestrial television to millions of loyal Japanese fans. Hero's was introduced in 2005 and has become an immediate success story - already drawing crowds of 10,000 - 15,000 per event (putting it at the same level as the UFC in the USA, who's highest ever live attendance was 17,000, but typically draw 10,000 - 14,000 per event). There has been a gap in the Japanese market for the past few months, since Pride was taken over by the UFC and all Pride events stopped in Japan. Hero's has been quick to step in and fill this void and is currently signing top International A-Class fighters such as Alistair Overeem, and it seems reasonable to assume that Hero's realise the drawing power of having Fedor on their event and such a move would immediately raise their stake in the International MMA market. The UFC have previously been in talks with Fedor, but were unable to come to an agreement, for reasons that neither party were overtly eager to disclose. After several months, it seems that maybe a UFC deal is not on the cards. Nothing has been confirmed by either Hero's or Fedor Emelianenko's management as of yet, but it seems highly likely that this is a rumour which could be very well founded. Keep your eyes peeled.
Whats the best way of seeing heroes in Britain. I've caught k-1 on eurosport and it is very good but I have only seen parts of the show on the internet but it is not the same as watching on tv.
Yep...K-1 was left a power vacuum when Pride was eliminated, and since the UFC didn't create a "shinsei" Pride it was likely that something like this would happen. I wonder if we're doomed to a K-1 vs. UFC rivalry similar to the previous Pride vs. UFC rivalry...where fans of both sides are unable to see the matchups they want.
that's just great, who's he going to fight? hopefully he ups his competition from a middleweight like Lindlund. Prob fight Japenese wrestlers. Anybody know why he didn't sign with the UFC?
If Barnett goes there too...it would be great imo. if K1 can add more talents to their hw division , why not?... but yeah , i'd rather see fedor in the ufc at the moment..
From what i've read Fedor's demands are mainly based on his ability to promote the sport in Russia. He didn't care about the most lucrative deal which was given by UFC. He wanted to be able to participate in 'Sambo tournaments, he wanted a UFC show in Russia, he wanted fighters from "Red Devil" team to get a crack at UFC. I dunno if all these demands are true but the way UFC negotiated was "Here's our proposition, call us when you accept it." The 5mil deal from k1 was on the table for quite some time and its not news. He was in negotiations with orgs for the things above. Everyone wants to see Fedor in UFC, but i dont think it will happen.
This will hurt his legacy. I understand he wants money but being money minded comes at a sacrifice. See Roy Jones in boxing as an example.
This is ****ing bull****, what a let down. Instead of Fedor vs Couture for the unified belt, we get Fedor vs *****-Chest with an undercard reviving the christian vs lion rivalry with Bobby Ologun being special guest ref.
