Fedor Emelianenko Update - Not Signed To M-1 Global

by Robert Sargent

According to a report from earlier today, despite an agreement announced last October, Fedor Emelianenko is not under contract to M-1 Global and could once again be a free agent, possibly as early as next week.

The only thing tying Emelianenko to M-1 Global is a $1.5 million signing bonus, and Emelianenko is said to be returning that bonus to M-1 Global within the next few days.

Rather than a signed contract, Emelianenko is said to have only signed a Letter of Intent with the fledgling MMA promotion, meaning that he will be free to negotiate with any other promotion once the signing bonus is returned to M-1 Global.

The leading contender for Emelianeko's talent is somewhat of a surprise, in the new promotion from boxer Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions and the Affliction Clothing line. The new promotion may debut as early as June 28th.

Neither Golden Boy Promotions Public Relations Director Romiro Gonzalez nor M-1 Global CEO Monte Cox would comment on the reports.

According to the report, Emelianenko would receive $1.5 million per fight in the Golden Boy/Affliction promotion, and his management would be given the rights to television broadcasts in Japan and Russia. Emelianenko's brother, Aleksander, is also rumoured to be joining the new promotion, along with top-5 middleweight Matt Lindland.


At this point, nothing has been officially confirmed, but a further announcement will likely take place within the week.