Emelianenko Says Dana White Keeps Changing His Story

Fedor Emelianenko has accused UFC CEO Dana White of repeatedly changing his account of why the two sides never agreed a deal.

Emelianenko spoke to the Russian YouTube channel Ushatayka. He recalled that he received offers while he was under contract elsewhere.

Free agent, ignored

According to Emelianenko, the UFC did not sign him when he was available. It came after him only once he had committed to Strikeforce. He questioned the timing of those approaches.

He said signing another contract at that stage could have led to legal proceedings. The Russian veteran suggested a contract dispute could have kept him from fighting until it was settled.

"Honestly, I didn't understand," Emelianenko said. "I didn't understand the point of his actions. He came over saying, 'I want you to fight for me.' He made that very clear, but one fight earlier, I'd been a free agent. I was free and they didn't sign me. ... It happened every time."

"When I'm free, they aren't interested. When I'm under contract, the offers start coming, but if you're under contract, you can't sign another one. There would be legal proceedings," he added.

On White's word

Emelianenko then turned to White directly. "There are different kinds of businessmen. Some are decent and respectful. Some people don't even need a contract. A handshake is enough, they keep their word. But now Dana is talking all sorts of nonsense. First he wanted me, then he didn't. Then he regretted it, then he's glad he never signed me. The man talks and changes his story. He simply doesn't stand by his words. His way of doing business doesn't sit well with me."

Emelianenko also denied negotiating a fight with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. He said only a hypothetical boxing matchup had been discussed.

Source: Sherdog