Fedor to Get M-1 Release?

by Thomas Daniels on March 6, 2008

ESPN The Magazine is reporting that PRIDE Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko’s about to become a free agent, possibly making it easier for the dream match of Fedor vs. Randy Couture to occur.

An excerpt from the ESPN story:

Apy Echteld, one of Emelianenko’s agents, confirmed what a source close to the situation previously told The Magazine: M-1 Global and Emelianenko will part ways some time in the next week, making the Russian a free agent. Divorce negotiations are ongoing right now, with a formal announcement likely for in the next few days. “Officially, yes, Fedor will be a free agent,” Echteld says.

In response, UFC President Dana White said he would be interested in getting back to the table with Fedor’s people.

“I like Randy, I genuinely like to think he’s a good guy,” White said to ESPN The Magazine. “As much as we’ve gone back and forth on this, I would sign Fedor and do everything possible to get Randy in the octagon with him. I’d do anything, because a., it’s a great fight and b., I think Randy would smash Fedor.”

In a recent interview with MMAFightline (click here for part 1 and here for part 2), Fedor spoke at length about the possibility of facing the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champ Couture, who is currently in the midst of a contractual dispute. “Randy is one of the best fighters and he proved it numerous times,” said Fedor. “I still hope this fight will take place in 2008.” Also in the interview, Fedor talks about the trouble some PRIDE stars have had recently in UFC, his own negotiations with White and more.