Fedor Needs The UFC

Fedor Emelianenko needs the UFC. Why? For his legacy.

It's still early in the game right now; there is no clue as to whether or not Fedor will finally end up fighting in the UFC- but it's highly unlikely, because of the M-1 co-promotion stipulation. A lot of people are blaming Fedor's promoter and buddy, Finkelchtein. What gets lost in translation is the fact that, Fedor is part owner of M-1. Of course Fedor has an interest in that promotion. Affliction cross promoted with M-1; that was probably a big reason Fedor signed with Affliction in the first place. And most likely, Fedor will sign with a fight company that will co-promote with his and Finkelchtein's organization, M-1 Global.

We will probably know for sure if Fedor signs with the UFC, no later than Friday. That is when Dana White is having a press conference.

Fedor will do what he wants to do, and he's already made it perfectly clear in the past, he is most interested in fighting regularly, along with promoting M-1. If Fedor is at all concerned about legacy, he NEEDS to sign with the UFC and fight the best competition; the best competition at heavyweight - for Fedor - is in the UFC.

Knowing how important M-1 is to Fedor, and knowing that Dana White and company will not cross promote, I would put money against a deal getting made. Maybe Fedor will realize how important his legacy is and put away his nationalistic pride - even if only for a few fights. Doubtful...an MMA fan can dream, can't he?

When you look at the big picture, Fedor needs the UFC, more than the UFC needs Fedor. This deal will be made or broken by Fedor's hand. Fedor has the ultimate say. You know the UFC will offer him the right kind of money. So, pro or con, deal or no deal, in the end, blame Fedor.