Fedor on CBS!?!
Posted by Marc Staehling on March 25th, 2008
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Originally posted at Nokaut, and then subsequently at MMAmania, and MMAjunkie.com, rumours are swirling that ProElite, parent company to EliteXC is the leading suitor to gain the services of the Russian superstar. While I personally would like to see Fedor end up in the UFC, it appears as if that’s a pipe-dream at this point and in the long run, a spot on CBS might be the best move for the sport of MMA on the whole.
The details of the possible deal are as follows:
-four fights in total(300-500k per fight)
-the first two on CBS’s Saturday Night Fights, the second two on PPV(which Fedor would receive a cut of)
-Aleksander Emelianenko would likely be offered a contract as well
Not too shabby…
When I heard that Kimbo Slice was the likely headliner for the first ever MMA show broadcast on a major North American network, I was not impressed. Why on earth would they have a low-level brawler and porn thug showing the masses what kind of sport this is? Likely Kimbo’s ability to garner interest/controversy, and he already proved to be somewhat of a draw in his “fight” with Tank Abbott. With that being said, the possible appearance of Fedor could be a saving grace for MMA fans the world over.
Unlike Kimbo Slice, Fedor Emelianenko is an international veteran of over twenty-five fights. He is an undefeated champion, and has beaten some of the best fighters on the planet. The fight style Emelianenko brings to the ring/cage is pure mixed martial arts. Emelianenko’s incredible ability to blend throws, punches, and submissions is still unmatched in the sport. If you don’t believe me, just watch his third fight with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. The point is, Fedor is a wonderful ambassador for this great sport, and his presence on CBS would help counter the ridiculous presence of Slice.
So who would/could Fedor fight? The pickin’s aren’t as slim as you might think. In no particular order here’s a few options:
-Randy Couture: The UFC litigation situation likely would hinder this, as well as Randy’s relationship with HDNet, still not utterly out of the question for late ‘08 early ‘09
-Andrei Arlovski: The Pitbull is currently in the 60-day period where Zuffa is the only company he can negotiate with. That ends May 1st, which would free him up to possible sign with ProElite, although Zuffa would have the right to match the offer…
-Ben Rothwell: Current free-agent Rothwell would be an excellent choice. While he has pretty much no name value, he is a top-12 heavyweight.
-Alistair Overeem: Strikeforce champ Overeem hasn’t fought since destroying Paul Buentello. EXC and Strikeforce’s relationship could help this come to fruition.
-Antonio Silva: Gary Shaw’s boy is scheduled to fight in Hawaii in June, but a victory there would make him a likely challenger to Fedor.
Barring the highly unlikely Couture fight, the Arlovski match-up is by far the most intriguing. Arlovski should be next in line for a UFC shot, so there’s no questioning his credibility or whether he deserves the shot or not. He’s also a popular and well-known fighter, and was the face of the UFC heavyweight division for a few years. The question is whether the UFC would match whatever offer Arlovski gets or not…