M-1 Global & Fedor Emelianenko Part Ways

by Robert Sargent

After a week of reports detailing the imminent split between M-1 Global and Fedor Emelianenko, the parting of ways was made official today, with both parties now free of legal obligations and the M-1 Global brand now ceasing operations.

The now-defunct M-1 Global will carry on with a new name, which is expected to be announced soon, along with the date for their debut event.

"During the past six months, the landscape of MMA, especially in the United States, has dramatically changed," said Monte Cox, President and CEO of the former M-1 Global. "The sport continues to gain mainstream acceptance, and we believe we will be in a better position to capitalise on these new opportunities with this agreement."

Cox has stated that he hopes that the former M-1 Global promotion, under its new name, will hold its first event on June 14th.

"We appreciate the support that Monte and the M-1 Global team have given Fedor," said Emelianenko's manager, Vadim Finkelchtein. "We wish M-1 Global great success, and hope to work with them sometime in the future."

Finkelchtein will continue to promote events under the M-1 name in Russia, where the M-1 Mixfight promotion was first born, as well as in other areas of Europe.