Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White over the promotion’s attempts to sign him, repeatedly accusing the manager of changing his account of their failed negotiations.
Speaking to Russian YouTube channel Ushatayka, Emelianenko questioned White’s approach and recalled receiving offers when he had signed elsewhere. He also denied negotiating a fight with the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannousaying he had only discussed a hypothetical boxing match.
Fedor Emelianenko Explains Why UFC Talks Failed, Questions Dana White’s Account Change
Emelianenko said the UFC couldn’t sign him when he was available, but pursued him after he committed Impact power. He questioned the timing of those approaches, saying that agreeing to another contract could have set him up for legal action.
The Russian veteran suggested the contract dispute could have prevented him from competing while it was resolved.
“Honestly, I didn’t understand,” Emelianenko said. “I didn’t understand the point of what he was doing. He came over and said, ‘I want you to fight for me.’ He made it very clear, but one fight before I had been a free agent. I was free and they didn’t sign me. … It happened every time.
“If I’m free, they’re not interested. If I have a contract, offers will start coming, but if you’re under contract, you can’t sign another one. There would be legal proceedings,” he added.
Speaking about White, Emelianenko said: “There are different businessmen. Some are decent and respectful. Some don’t even need a contract. A handshake is enough, they keep their word. But now Dana is talking all kinds of nonsense. First she wanted me, then she didn’t. Then she just regretted it, then she’s glad she didn’t sign me and won’t change her words. The way of doing business doesn’t suit me.”
