Russian Sabre Rattling
On Monday, I blogged that the end of Affliction's MMA venture could be the beginning of its legal battles. It seems I am not the only one who feels that way.
Today, as reported by MMAJunkie.com, came this quote from one of Fedor Emelianenko's representatives:
"We're exploring all options at the time, legally with regard to Affliction and what we perceived took place," Steve Bash, M-1 USA vice president of legal affairs, said. "I can promise you and promise Affliction, if something was done wrong, someone will be held responsible."
If the reports are true that the revered Russian is going to sign with the UFC, Fedor was likely one of the least damaged fighters associated with the ill-fated Affliction card. And, even if that falls through, when you're the world's best heavyweight, it's safe to say that someone will pay you to fight on TV. Other Affliction fighters including Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, and now Jay Hieron, have also found a home with StrikeForce. Vitor Belfort is going back to Brazil. But, there's still more than a dozen fighters left out in the cold.
Rumors are floating around about what compensation fighters might receive, ranging from full salaries to t-shirt deals, but it certainly seems to be in Affliction's best interests to satisfy the fighters. It would not only prevent litigation, it would also give the company some much needed goodwill as it gets back into promoting the UFC. If Brock Lesnar can take an in-ring shot at Bud Light, who knows what a scorned fighter might do to Affliction?
