K-1 LEGEND Interviews M-1 Global's Vadim Finkelstein

Kickboxing/MMA blog K-1 LEGEND posted an interview earlier today with Fedor Emelianenko's manager and M-1 Global head Vadim Finkelstein. The name Vadim has become one synonymous with Emelianenko within the past few years, as both men are closely involved with the M-1 Global project. Vadim had some interesting thoughts on working with Strikeforce and the UFC.

K-1 LEGEND: Do you see Strikeforce providing the level of competition worthy of a fighter like Fedor?

Vadim Finkelstein: Of course I do. Strikeforce has many talented top heavyweights. Not less, than in any other promotion. The first one will be Brett Rogers at Strikeforce/M-1 event on November, 7.

K-1 LEGEND: It seems like the deal between M-1/Fedor and UFC fell through because M-1 wanted more than UFC could offer. Do you think it’ll ever be possible to see Fedor in a UFC ring without a co-promotion?

Vadim Finkelstein: I think, that at this point of time it’s impossible.Fedor is part of M-1, he’s the shareholder of the organization that represents his own interests. Listen, Fedor became who he is today without having to compete in the UFC. It was the UFC that came to us, not other way around. We were willing to negotiate. We wished to have Fedor fight the best UFC athletes, but in the context of inter-organizational collaboration. UFC won’t co-promote, while all other MMA and boxing organizations do. UFC tries to drive other competitors out of the MMA industry. But the thing is, we don’t intend to take UFC’s business, take its sponsors or whatever. We were prepared to cooperate according to the business rules sharing not only benefits but costs as well.