Comments on: Oops: CroCop Wins in Octagon, Signs with DREAM

By: Matt C.

Matt C. — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:57:19 +0000

I myself have been critical of UFC contracts in the past. Still am critical of certain rumored clauses that may be in UFC contracts. Having said that doesn’t this in some way justify the UFC’s position with their contracts? If they didn’t lock the fighters up and protect themselves the way they do how many times would this have happened to them before? I mean the one time they don’t get an iron-clad contract they got taken advantage of.

Don’t get me wrong I don’t feel sorry for the UFC for getting duped if that be the case but this kind of makes the UFC’s case for having the contracts that they do.

By: steve

steve — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:07:23 +0000

while I think this sucks for the fans who would love to see Cro Cop in the UFC and back in prime forum I find it difficult to be too hard on him for signing a big contract with Pride after winning since I think it’s a pretty safe bet that no matter what the verbal agreement had he lost at UFC 99 the offer from the UFC would have disappeared

By: ironman

ironman — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:32:21 +0000

John, it’s a fair point. What’s weird to me is that CroCop signed before the fight with al-Turk. If we found out tomorrow that he signed a contract today, then I’d be all for it, but it seems weird to step into a cage knowing that you’re going to desert the promoter. Obviously, nothing illegal about it, but it is kind of a weird situation.

Also, I agree that Dana got outwitted on this one, and that he was clearly trying to shaft CroCop with the one fight contract, so I’m not going to start yelling “oh poor Dana.”

By: curtis

curtis — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:23:53 +0000

It all seems pretty shady in my opinion (on both sides). Sure Cro Cop on had a one fight verbal agreement, but it is assumed that if he wins, that he will continue to pursue the UFC title.

That being said, you know what they saying about assumption… This was perfect for Cro Cop and DREAM. They let the UFC promote him for this one fight, only to use it against them post fight.

I would have to say that Dana got out witted this time around.

By: John

John — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:25:58 +0000

Well from what I understand CroCop signed a one fight deal. Isn’t that correct? If that is the case, then Dana can’t really complain since you can say anything you want but what matters are those official contracts. Verbal promises don’t mean anything, so I think Dana is just using one of his typical win win situations he normally has as the promoter. If Cro Cop lost this fight, then Dana can say he isn’t interested in having him fight again and says CroCop should retire, regardless of the verbal agreement they had since they are not official. If CroCop wins then he will say he is ready to have CroCop fight again for the UFC and they can then start negotiating a multiple fight contract.