Former Pride Boss On Fedor Making $2.5M: ‘This Is Absolutely Not True’

By Chris Taylor - October 2, 2015

Fedor Emelianenko shocked the MMA World when he announced that he had signed a contract to fight for former Pride FC boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara’s new Japanese promotion on New Year’s Eve.

Fedor Emelianenko

Shortly after news broke that “The Last Emperor” had in fact signed a deal to fight in Japan, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that Fedor would be making a guaranteed $2.5 million for his December 31st fight against an opponent yet to be determined.

According to Fedor’s new boss Sakakibara, that report is just not true:

“Information on the $ 2.5 million fee – this is absolutely not true,” Sakikabara told R-Sport (translated by BloodyElbow). “I’m sure that during various negotiations with US organizations, Fedor was offered a much larger amount than our options. The return of Fedor in Japan has completely nothing to do with money, and it is a fact.”

He continued:

“One of the main reasons [for Fedor’s return] is the development of the future of MMA. Fedor was a legendary champion of PRIDE, he did not suffer a single defeat and is an integral part of the history of mixed martial arts and becoming part of a unique organization.”

Sakakibara would not reveal Fedor’s opponent for the New Year’s Eve fight card, but promised a press conference would be coming shortly:

“Very soon, we are going to hold a press conference here in Tokyo, which will be explain many details of the New Year’s show, including the name of the new organization.”

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This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM


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