With the very exciting news of Fedor Emelianenko finally finding a home with M-1 Global, the internet pundits are raving that the real UFC competition has arrived. For the brief time that this information has been available for the MMA public, it appears to be the case.
M-1 Global has made a great choice in President/CEO Monte Cox. Cox is a seasoned fight manager and has enough understanding of the business to make me feel comfortable with his handling of the new organization. After all, Dana White was once manager to some of the biggest names in MMA today. They have the backing of Sibling Entertainment, who…well I guess I have no clue what they have done, but hey, they have the collective cajones to approach an undertaking of this magnitude. M-1 Global even did what the mighty Ultimate Fighting Championships could not- sign the biggest free agent, the aforementioned Fedor Emelianenko.
But one has to wonder if their grand claims of being a truly global organization which has the bargaining power to sign anyone they please, along with the prospect of inter promotional super fights, M-1 isn’t biting off a little more than they can chew? Yes, they have made a fantastic public relations start by nabbing MMA’s most sought after fighter. But will they go the way of the barely afloat IFL, the money machine Bodog, or even the legendary Pride Fighting Championships?
Fedor will obviously be their marquee fighter for their opening show. However, if they expect to steal away the newly resigned/retired/reveled Randy Couture, they will have to wait outside the courtroom for quite some time. A fight with Josh Barnett is definitely a highly anticipated bout, though there is no guarantee it will create more than a one-time hoopla that will leave them hanging for fights to come. Other name UFC heavyweights will have to think long and hard before they take M-1 Global’s offer and kiss goodbye the bright lights of the world’s most recognizable fight promotion. Any competition less than this could have a lukewarm reception.
I also find it curious that two renowned managers are involved in the promotion. Monte has made no mention of retiring from his managerial duties which leaves a red flag in the form of conflict of interest. Finkelchtein also got exactly what he wanted in this new deal. When the details of the UFC’s courtship of Emelianenko became public, Finkelchtein was very vocal in some of his “suggestions.” He wanted his other fighters showcased, a Russian cross-promotion, along with non-exclusivity. Sound familiar? Don’t be surprised if the first M-1 under card is full of Red Devil fighters (anyone remember Bodog Fight: USA vs. Russia?). With two big managers involved in one organization, we have to wonder who will be pushed on us first? This can lead to very interesting fighters being matched up with new comers and lesser-knowns; resulting in lop-sided lackluster cards.
I am just as excited as the next guy that a new promotion is on the scene waving big wallets, and one big bad Russian killing machine at the salivating MMA fans. This is a great prospect for fighters and, of course, competition is always healthy. However, I have to be pessimistic. Too many fans jump to conclusions only to get very disappointed when things flop. Wasn’t it just a year ago that Pride FC was landing on US soil, ready to show people what real MMA was all about? It was belly-up six months later, and that was with a fantastic roster and seemingly endless talent to draw from. Remember Bodog Fight: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Matt Linland? Less than 15,000 buys. K-1 Heroes Dynamite USA? The most interesting parts of that event was a football player who was put to sleep and a failed football player who is now with the UFC. The live IFL Grand Prix? Well, Monte Cox can probably explain why that isn’t going to be what we once hoped would have been the saving grace of that company.
Time will tell, for now bring on Bisping vs. Evans!
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