Bibiano Fernandes says he negotiated with UFC, but never signed to fight at UFC 149

by Matt Erickson on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:05 pm ET
The UFC bolstered its bantamweight division recently with the signing of Bibiano Fernandes (11-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC).

There was just one one problem, though. According to Fernandes, he never signed with the promotion.

Fernandes, according to UFC.com, was expected to face Roland Delorme next month at UFC 149 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. But the promotion recently removed Fernandes from that bout on the site – though as of late Tuesday morning, a fighter profile page for him still exists there.

"I would like to make perfectly clear the news concerning my involvement with the UFC," Fernandes said in a statement on his Facebook page. "It was announced that I, Bibiano Fernandes have been contracted to fight for the organization at UFC 149 which will take place in the city of Calgary on the 21st of July. I would like to make it clear that I am not a UFC athlete as I did not sign any contract with the UFC organization."

Fernandes, the former DREAM featherweight champion and current DREAM bantamweight champ, did not deny being in negotiations with the UFC – but said talks came to an impasse.

"Negotiations between the UFC and myself did take place; however, we could not resolve the issues on the table and as a result we did not come to an agreement," Fernandes stated. "The recent reports that have been circulating in the media are false, contrary to what is being said, I am not a UFC athlete."

Bill Mahood, Fernandes' representative with the BCMMAA management firm, on Tuesday told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) he could not comment beyond Fernandes' Facebook statement. He said he had not spoken to the fighter since before the statement was posted.

Fernandes, in the statement, alluded to a possible disagreement over the financial terms in his negotiations with the UFC, though he didn't elaborate with specific numbers. But he didn't rule out signing with the UFC in the future.

"I did not find the terms set before me by the UFC beneficial to my family and as a result an agreement could not be reached and no contract was signed," Fernandes stated. "It should be noted that the UFC is the largest MMA organization in the world however, my personal and professional obligations have brought me to the decision that I will not be a part of the UFC organization at this point in time. The day that an agreement is reached and the terms set forth are beneficial to both parties involved, I will have the most pleasure and satisfaction to fight for the organization while always representing my beloved country."

The Brazilian-born Fernandes now lives and trains in Canada. But he has fought exclusively in Japan since 2009. In 2009, he won the DREAM featherweight tournament and title, submitting Joe Warren in just 42 seconds in the semifinals before taking a split decision later the same night against Hiroyuki Takaya. He defended that title with a win over Joachim Hansen in 2010 before losing it to Takaya in a rematch.

Fernandes then dropped to bantamweight and beat Antonio Banuelos this past December to win the DREAM bantamweight tournament and belt. He is widely considered to be one of the top-10 bantamweights in the world.

For more on UFC 149, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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Reply to Story

Sakurobot on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:22 pm ET
At least it's not another injury related...
 

Kreo on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:28 pm ET
his ego was injured as the result of UFC's hardlining style of negotiating.
 

SanFranpsycho on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:22 pm ET
He is free to not sign with the UFC, but this statement is clearly a slap in the face at the UFC. The UFC is bigger than any one person, esp a bantamweight only known by hardcore fans. He should chill out and not speak out publicly.

What was he hoping to gain by this? The UFC would cave to his demands? When you fight against the UFC, you lose.
 

dbree801 on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:50 pm ET
So, its cool for the UFC to announced he is signed and announce a bout he is slated for, but its not cool for him to say it was a crock?
 

Vini on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:20 pm ET
Why do you think he is fighting against UFC?
 

nomomrnicekyle on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:24 pm ET
Alright, then go back to fighting where no one will ever know your name.  Smart decision. 
 

nomomrnicekyle on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:29 pm ET
Also, complaining about a UFC contract before you even have one is not a good way to ensure career longevity.  When are these guys going to figure out that they aren't worth anything to the UFC until they prove it in the UFC?  The UFC certainly doesn't need him, and with DREAM dead he's going to need them if he actually wants to fight and get paid.  These kind of comments aren't going to help him in the long run, he should've learned that from seeing other fighters like Todd Duffee. 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:32 pm ET

Actually, according to him, he was going to be paid LESS.

There are already rumours circling around that OneFC has given him a better offer.

 

coreymb on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:36 pm ET
Yep.
Same with Khalidov. He said the contract that was offered to him was laughable.

If these guys really are making that much more than what's offered on the table, I don't blame them for not jumping ship. No way.
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:39 pm ET
Khalidov is the hottest prospect outside of big orgs, and Zuffa failed to pick him.
Then they will pick one Clifford Starks more, and Zuffa zombies will think he's better, just because he's in the UFC.
 

Velociraptor on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:54 pm ET
What about Tom Watson? Is he in the UFC yet?
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:58 pm ET

Tom Watson is worse than Khalidov. I think he's pretty overrated.

Plus, he said that he's not in the rush to the UFC.

 

nomomrnicekyle on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:56 pm ET
Without speaking to the actual talent of the fighters, being in the UFC does bring with it an aura of credibility that is rightfully deserved, whether you think they're "Zuffa zombies" or not.  Let's look at Jorge Santiago, widely considered one of the best fighters in MW outside of the UFC, and how did he fare?  The truth is you will consistently face tougher opposition in the UFC than outside of it, so while you can be considered a good fighter you will not likely be a great one without signing with the world's biggest MMA promotion.  I've followed a lot of fighters outside of the UFC and enjoyed their fights, but ultimately they aren't doing themselves any favors by stepping over dollars to pick up dimes.  Honestly, how long with other promotions like One FC be around, especially if the UFC itself is faltering somewhat on viewership?  Burning bridges now will not help you in the future when those smaller organizations begin to fold. 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:02 pm ET

Dream fell, and OneFC came. They have MMA market in Asia - Zuffa doesn't.
Fact is, Bibiano will have a better job with better money, even after Dream, and not in Zuffa.

Stop living in a movie that a fighter cares about what you think about his credibiity.
Their salary is much more important to them. ANY of them.
Even for those, who are in the UFC - they're in the UFC because they have a better contract there. But some, like Bibiano, have better offers in other places.

 

Dummer on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:46 pm ET
Your like an mma hipster..
 

Dummer on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:48 pm ET
Sorry. You are like an mma hipster.

I'm sure someone will point out my terrible grammer skills..
 

dbree801 on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:30 pm ET
*grammar
 

Sans_Peur on Jun 12, 2012 at 5:27 pm ET
LOL... naw, grammar is okay. Spelling's a bit weak though.
 

nomomrnicekyle on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:48 pm ET
It has nothing to do with credibility, and everything to do with what your name value is to the average consumer.  DREAM fell, so what makes you think OneFC will ultimately fare any better?  A bigger paycheck right now doesn't necessarily translate to a better one even a year from now, so how does limiting your options by burning bridges with the UFC help you in the long run?  I just think that theres a tactful way of doing things and then there's shooting yourself in the foot
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:41 pm ET
So no one should sign OneFC because it might fall?
First of all, why will it fall? Because Dream fell? I don't see any similarities there - OneFC is not even in Japan.

Plus, what makes you think he burnt any bridge?
It's not the first time he got offer from the UFC - they wanted him when he was a FW fighter in Dream, and he still refused, two years ago.
He made a business decision - and UFC will make a business decision when/if time will come.
 

Vini on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:13 pm ET
+1

I'm surprised that people here don't understand his decision. People think that UFC = MMA.

There is life outside UFC.
 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:23 pm ET
Wrong again Mr White. They are in the UFC because they decided initially to go test themselves where most of the great fighters are. Many had to work themselves up to better contracts. Those that got great contracts there have proven themselves. And you saying "fact" is not a fact. Bibiano maybe went for the early easy money. Knowing he would have to work himself up and prove himself more in the UFC. He obviously does not want to take the bigger risk. Obviously has no faith in himself also. He might not care, like Fedor did not care. But their credibility does suffer, whether it tickles your fancy or not. And you saying "better job better money" is a little misnomer. More like EASIER job for better money maybe. And besides that, most of these other orgs have not proven they have any organization or validity. Look at dream not even paying its fighters and going bankrupt now. If Onefc is still here in 5 yrs and has paid its fighters maybe can start thinking its not ****. UFC has the best roster of fighters fighting against each other right now. 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:38 pm ET
I haven't seen a single valid point here besides "maybe OneFC goes bankrupt".
To remind you, Bibiano was getting paid all the time, and is going to get bankrupt now.

And why would anyone go to the place, where the money is better?
So what if the job is easier? The money is still better - and risk is irrelevant here.
You don't have a clue, how Bibiano would've reacted, had UFC actually given him better money.
I don't see any reason why, in that case, he wouldn't have joined the UFC.

"Doesn't have faith in himself" - these are only your idiotic assumptions. He simply got better offer.
When you finish school and start working - you'll understand how it works.
 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:58 pm ET
Thats his right Mr White:  To go where the "money is better and his job easier" as you say. But then lets not call him the best, while he is doing the easy job- because he did not want to do the harder job of proven what he really is. And there is more risk for him in the UFC fighting against other fighters on his level or higher. Thats the point. Also if its purely about money for him, then cool. Thats his  Allah given right! But then its not about being the BEST FIGHTER by testing himself where there is more risk.  Don't hate me because I'm beautiful. 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:06 pm ET
I don't hate infantiles. I know you'll grow up someday and will understand how this crazy thing called life works.
And again - it's not about easier or harder job: it's about better money and worse money.
You have no reason to suggest, that Bibiano would've refused a better offer from the UFC.
You simply think he won't, just for the reason to bash him.

But hey!...if the keyboard muslim warrior says Bibiano's not a fighter, then he's not!
 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:20 pm ET
You are very illogical Mr Vadim. Maybe its the tears of the butthurt I hear much about in these interwebs. I never "bashed" him also as u cry. He is not worth the money he was asking for maybe. Maybe wanted "Anderson Silva" money right of the back. That kind of thinking etc.  And its his right to go where he wants. Point is he will NOT be the best fighter then doing it. I never said he was not a fighter as you say again Mr Vadim. Just wont be consider the best fighter. Cant have your cake and eat it too Mr Vadim. 
 

justmessing on Jun 13, 2012 at 3:32 am ET
youre an idiot.
TheTruthSayer wrote:
"Bibiano maybe went for the early easy money. Knowing he would have to work himself up and prove himself more in the UFC. He obviously does not want to take the bigger risk. Obviously has no faith in himself also. "
obviously nothing kid. you know absolutely nothing about what went down in contract negotiations, you know absolutely nothing about bibiano, but you act like you have some inside knowledge.
the most likely situation is he was offered 8k show/8k win, which seems to be pretty standard for your first 2-3 fights. we can only speculate, but thats pretty low for a 2 time dream champ. i dont blame the guy, the ufc isnt going anywhere. they will always be signing prospects and contenders. onefc may have offered a 1 or multifight deal. who knows, but money talks man. you go to work to get paid everyday, why shouldnt pro fighters?
 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 13, 2012 at 4:45 am ET
I know human nature my son. TheTruthSayer knows. Anybody that believes they are so great as to being able to name their price, to merit the money they want-then they should believe they can prove it and back that up the hard way. He has not proved it, and he believes he is worth more to the UFC than having to prove it himself in the UFC. Proving it is also not that important to him if he throws away so easily what many fighters dream of doing: To be Given a chance to prove it in the UFC. He wanted to name his number now without risking he might not be worth that number. He makes the mistake of negotiating from a position of weakness. Has no cards. You negotiate from position of strength. He ain't no Pride great, or no Fedor with some myth behind him. He ain't a name either except with hardcore fans-even with his dream champ. Which aint the top of the heap also.  He has lost to Faber who killed him easily. And he is not a wrecking machine finishing dudes in dead Dream either. Kid Yamamoto beat him also. I don't think he would be top 5 in UFC. And he is acting like he is top 3 right now without 1 fight in the UFC. He should have taken a 3 fight contract. If he is good enough to prove it against some 3 intro fights into the UFC, then he would be in a position of strength to negotiate after. But his ego/pride/greed, or fear of risk got him to take different stand. He has seen many fighters from other orgs go to the UFC and be nothing there.  He would obviously be worth more to OneFc since there are no stallions in their stables. I said similar to you in my analysis..that money talks and he might prefer the money over taking a bigger risk now. He has better chance of beating some ponies in onefc than maybe stallions in the UFC. I dont blame him one bit. A pony got to eat. Maybe its the best business decision for him.   Im just saying don't call him the best fighter then.
Maybe he will get onefc "title" and will have more cards to play.
 

VadimWhite on Jun 13, 2012 at 11:04 am ET

My dear friend:
In order to really understand something about the human nature, you have to accomplish 4 things first:
1. Hit puberty;
2. Graduate;
3. Get a job;
4. Get a family.

It's pretty clear that you have yet to get there.
Maybe after all that, you will sop having the ridiculous theories about what fighters have to prove to TheTrollSayers like you.

 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 13, 2012 at 7:34 pm ET
That must be that ad hominem shake I hear about that you giving me now. Sorry, but I drank YOUR milkshake friend with all my Truths.
 

rw1060 on Jun 12, 2012 at 8:02 pm ET
Saying that the UFC has the best roster of fighters right now is clearly a valid point and not exactly hard to grasp.
 

DCOPPERHEAD on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:22 pm ET
If salary is much more important to them, than they would realize the UFC is much more capable to pay them the amounts they want IF they prove to be one of the best fighters in their division. If he's as good as he thinks he is, then he'll eventually get the big bucks in the UFC.
 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 12, 2012 at 8:23 pm ET
TRUTH
 

VadimWhite on Jun 13, 2012 at 11:39 am ET

Who told you that the UFC will pay you the amount of money that he got offered in other place?
Also, how can he know that he will even stay healthy for a couple of fights? There are too many "what if" factors in MMA, you cannot count on winning 3 fights in a row and measure business decisions on that.

Plus, he can get back to the negotiations with the UFC whenever he decides to - fact: it's already the second time he gets an offer from them.

 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:11 pm ET
Those that go to the UFC prove what they truly are. Simply by being in the UFC Mr VadimWhite.  That is the real proven ground of modern MMA whether you like or not.  Sure, fighters can go to other orgs that are willing to waste more money on them because they dont have deep rosters or good organization, but lets not then think those fighters are proving themselves there. Good if the fighter wants to go that rout, but he shall never again even talk about being the best at what he does.  The credit belongs to those in the real arena. And please stop that "zuffa zombie" tard term that some fat hater ********* FAN from Queens coined because he was crying himself to sleep when his precious Fedor screwed himself out of his legacy. 

 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:45 pm ET
So, TheTruthSayer restricts Bibiano to tell that he's the best in the world, because he refused a contract with unsatisfying conditions.

Damn...I wonder how he's gonna live with it from now on...
 

Chris27 on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:48 pm ET
It does suck for fans though but you are right, its about the money. For Mamed, to KSW he is worth more, he is one of their top two stars, he is big for them. For the uFC, what is Mamed Khalidov to them but another MW who would be a fight night fighter or a first fight on a PPV? And thats only probably because he would be fighting a UFC MW who is a name like Belcher or Stann. Same with Bibiano, yes BW needs fighters and he is a champ and a top 10 guy but I'd say Bibiano is worth more to OneFC than he is the UFC. Just sucks they cant work something out because Mamed in KSW and Bibiano in OneFC is a waste of their talents. But its about the money and to the UFC they arent worth big time contracts, other orgs who are looking to add talent, orgs that dont have alot of talent they will be willing to pay more for free agents. Its funny though people ***** saying the UFC is a monopoly and they are the only place to fight, guess not. Looks like other orgs are willing to pay some guys more than the UFC.
 

nomomrnicekyle on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:59 pm ET
And of course he'll be paid less in the UFC, because he needs to earn it by proving his worth inside of the organization, not out of it.  While the dollar amounts might be less immediately, the exposure you get by fighting on the world's biggest stage exponentially multiplies those pay checks in the future.  It's a trade off that doesn't always work out if you fail in the UFC, but until you actually try your options will always be limited. 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:05 pm ET

His options are not limited right now.

And you don't get the job offer from thinking "Yeah, I get paid less, but if I become the best worker, I'll get paid more"
Especially if it's not even a promise.

 

TomSellecksMustache on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:27 pm ET
Hector Lombard dis agrees, so does Brock Lesnar you dont have to prove anything in the UFC to make money, it all comes down to weather or not Dana thinks your a good investment and if he can make money off you and if he feels he wont make money off you right away he low balls you. It's a good business strategy because you dont just want to give away money with no return but if you can make more money else where why would you come running to the UFC for a lower paycheck ?
 

FinechinaTUF on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:36 pm ET
Good luck finding career longevity and a higher pay in a fledgling organization. We've seen how well that works as a business model...
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:42 pm ET
I don't remember anyone getting bankrupt because he refused a lowball offer from the UFC...
 

FinechinaTUF on Jun 12, 2012 at 5:28 pm ET
I meant the organizations in particular, i should have been more clear
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 5:32 pm ET
The reason why organizations  go bankrupt is NOT because they overpay their fighters.
Especially if there are only one or two fighters that get big salary - the key fighters, like Bibiano.
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:31 pm ET

No no, what he had to say was:

"Okay, I agree for you to pay me less than I was paid before, just because you offer me better opposition."
Tht would be really smart business decision - after all, who cares about getting paid for your job?

 

TomSellecksMustache on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:40 pm ET
Yeah except everyone already knows who he is and thats why its was kinda big deal deal when he had supposedly signed with the UFC.
 

nomomrnicekyle on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:01 pm ET
Lets be careful with hyperbole, because 'everyone' certainly does not know who he is, and while a handful of hardcore fans might be aware of his career the vast majority of them could care less.  That's not going to change until he fights in the UFC, like it or not. 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:06 pm ET
OMG he definitely has to go to the UFC so the UFC fans would know who he is!
Best reason ever!
 

TomSellecksMustache on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:10 pm ET
hahaha +1 
 

nomomrnicekyle on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:08 pm ET
Because that's my entire argument, right?  If you don't understand what I'm saying by now I'm not going to bother to continue to explain it to you, arguing with you is like competing in the special olympics.  Even if I win I'm still ******ed. 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:47 pm ET
I hope you do understand what you just said

Amazing, you tried to insult me and insulted yourself instead.
:)
 

TomSellecksMustache on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:14 pm ET
Handfull ?? The only ones who could care less are the UFC fan boys who drink the kool-aid Dana supplies, anyone with a true interest in MMA as a whole not just UFC knows about Flash.
 

nomomrnicekyle on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:04 pm ET
Because there are so many people that care about MMA as a whole, man those guys will just line your pockets with more money than you know what to do with.  Get real.  While I, and apparently you, are some of the few that actually follow other organizations, it's unrealistic to think that there's enough people like that to ensure a continuously profitable career. 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:55 pm ET
And who said that Bibiano's career is not continuously profitable?
Just because he switched orgs doesn't mean it isn't.

Plus, the main and the most important stimulation for mixed martial artist, whose job is MMA, is money.
Because it's a job.
If you think otherwise - well, life will teach you that lesson when you grow up.
 

TomSellecksMustache on Jun 12, 2012 at 5:25 pm ET
only One name is needed Fedor
 

budnlean on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:48 pm ET
hmmm...fame n notoriety or mo money, mo money, mo money. seems like an easy decision. get off ufc's dicc. just like for the organization, at the end of the day it's about money...fucc fame.
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:08 pm ET
No no, why, fame is important!
The more people from redneck US crowd know your name, the more...hmmm....errr...
 

themuffinman on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:26 pm ET
Interesting I wonder if the issues are purely the dollar amount on the table or more specific disagreements. 
 

shut_the_Fitch_up on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:05 pm ET
Dana really needs to do what he can to bring Bibliano over, the Bw div. is the thinest div. in the UFC right now, they sorta need a few proven fighters like Bibliano to solve the problem.  If he asks for a ridiculous amount then it's a different matter, but if he's not being ridiculous Dana he's worth it.  Skip bringing over a few newbs in other divisions if you have to to get him over.
 

MMA5820 on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:29 pm ET
I am hoping that a decision is made and we can see bibano in UFC because i really dont want to see what happen with kid yamamoto.  a star athlete in the rough that came to the biggest promotion in the world late in his career with the hype of FEDOR and could not answer the hype. 

The fight between yamamoto and fernandes was crazy.
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:35 pm ET

Hype of Fedor? You clearly don't know what you're talking about.

Kid was on decline already, he came to the UFC after losses to 1:0 Joe Warren and former Sengoku champ Kanehara.
UFC has picked him only because of his name.

Bibano is on the rise, and has run through Banuelos - something Miguel Torres was afraid to do.
He's a top ten BW, and he's undefeated in this weight class.

 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:30 pm ET
I luv the great emperor. But after 2005 he became more about hype than anything else. Preserving the myth and the hype for money later in his career. Not about testing himself against big risk, or seeing if he was the best. Obviously it backfired.

 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:49 pm ET
How did it backfire exactly?
Oh, wait, I know!...he lost TheTruthSayer's respect!
Huge loss.

From 2005 Fedor has refused unfair offers from the UFC, that would've restricted him from doing what he wanted to do.
And he still was #1 HW in the world and one of the top 3 P4P fighters in the world
(unless you think it was someone else, feel free to throw the name...Tim Sylvia? Randy Couture? Brock Lesnar? Bob Sapp?)
 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:10 pm ET
How did it backfired? He lost those fights that Mr Vadim and him thought were going to be the easier wins for the money. No Mr Vadim..All that jazz about restricting the great emperor was just BS. THE TRUTH is M1 did not get the co-promotion they wanted to extort with their having their russian "myth".  Also, dont get into the same old pattern: Where start arguing fighting top 5 fighters, or top 10, or any of that jazz. THE TRUTH is he did not prove it by fighting the top contender to fight necessary at the time. The fight that needed to happen to actually prove things. And not just once, or twice, or even in 1 org. He had the chance to prove it multiple times and in multiple orgs. And refused. Its his right also, but lets not start worshipping false idols Mr Vadim. 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:15 pm ET
Worshipping the idols?
I don't worship Fedor.
I just know who he is: the best HW fighter in the history of MMA, and one of the best ever.
Also I know, that while he never fought in the UFC, he still was the #1 fighter in the world, and not anyone else.

I don't care what do you feel about him and what he didn't prove to you, and I doubt that he does.
He has accomplished what he's accomplished, and even if you do your best to rewrite history just to feed your blind brainwashed hate, you will fail to do so.
 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:44 pm ET
Dont have a breakdown Mr Vadim.  I SAID I luv the great emperor myself. A great fighter.  And I agree he is/was most accomplished HW in MMA. But he did not prove he was the best after 2005. Even if he could have hypothetically beaten the fighters than needed to be fought to prove it at the moments in time needed to happen. Hypothetically is not reality. And then he lost to lesser fighters. You kind of have to prove it son.  And he definitely is not the GOAT.  And he will loose the most accomplished HW honor probably in next couple of years. If Reem beats Junior, Reem will take that honor simply by all he accomplished in multiple orgs. If Junior beats Cain again, and then beats Reem, maybe one more,  then Junior probably will then be best HW simply by having been tested in deeper ocean more consistently in present MMA.  I luv Fedor, but don't put him on an Ivory Tower or make a statue of him of gold to worship without any valid criticism because he used to make you feel good in your special place when you watched him in Pride in the past Mr Vadim. 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 5:04 pm ET
You will considerJDS/Cain/Overeem the best HW in the history of the MMA after a couple of fights?
Despite all that Fedor did? And Nogueira? And even Randy Couture?

That is just laughable.
 

TheTruthSayer on Jun 13, 2012 at 7:57 pm ET
Funny how my post were deleted. There was no personal insults, no spam but direct replies to argument, and definitely no fighter bashing against Fedor. Just reasonable points. Nothing disruptive either but just straight out reality and facts. I am to come to a few possible conclusions. Either Somebody here on mmajunkie was crying tears for Fedor, or Mr VadimWhite is an insider here since your last reply is all that was left in the discussion we were having. Or Mr Erickson had some issues which I will will post my objection to as a long loyal reader of this site. Considering i followed the "RULES".. Maybe time to switch to mmafighting

I gave you my reasons and I listed the fighters Fedor evaded Mr Vadim. I gave u the fights he should have fought Mr Vadim. You repeatedly asking me the same thing does not change reality. Saying he ducked is not fighter bashing either when its a proven reality as shown by his past actions, and  by the less than honorable fights he is taken now. Considering I am fan. I thought this was America and not Soviet Russia where u can't say anything even remotely critical of Putin. Is the great emperor on that level now? And again yes, also gave my reason why Overeem if he takes UFC title from Junior with his 3 other titles would take the HW honor, and how Junior if he beats Cain, Reem, and another top contender would take it based on quality of competition.
The end. 
 

irunthis on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:35 pm ET
soooo DANA, who are you adding to 149 to make up for all this garbage??
 

Thegreathypocrite on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:56 pm ET
No one!

Why would they use up big names and exciting fights to fill out a card that has already sold out. They have our money already. If any thing this card will get wittled down some more.

They are selling cards based on rumored fights and rumored fighters. This is not the first time the UFC has used this marketing tool and won't be the last. They only have a handful of big names that can sell tickets. They like to sell at least 2 events with the same name. Aldo will sell out another card for the machine that is the UFC. This is a matter of the UFC figuring out that they can have one guy in 2 places. They can double the marketability of there big names. Smart on their part, really fvcking stupid on the part of us fans for accepting it. Hell, I have read numerous posts defending this marketing strategy by both the fans as well as media (Junkie).

 

TilapiaGCI on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:09 pm ET
The old switch-a-roo.   Been around for years.
 

irunthis on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:01 pm ET
so true, but seriously saddening for us northwesterners who are diehard fans and get screwed like this.....
 

WHMoff33 on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:49 pm ET
Miguel Torres, of course.
 

TilapiaGCI on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:51 pm ET
This guy could sue Zuffa big time if he wanted too.  Telling the world that he was under an exclusive contract with them when he wasn't is no joke.  It easily could have caused him to miss out on other offers and could have damaged his relationship with other employers.  An average lawyer would get him a decent settlement.  If he takes it all the way and gets a democratic judge Zuffa could get hit with punitive damages.
 

TilapiaGCI on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:14 pm ET
I predict the UFC offers more money and signs him by the end of the week.  They need to mitigate the damages before they lose their shirt in court.  That Facebook update was written by a lawyer, guaranteed.
 

justmessing on Jun 13, 2012 at 3:43 am ET
it would probably be worse for him in the long run. sue your future employers for a fish today = biting the hand that would have probably fed you in the future
 

atwork on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:52 pm ET
UFC pays less so what make it up in Sponsorships

Ask Anderson Silva if Zuffa was the company that was offering him the most
I would say it all evens out if your good enough to get a stake in the PPV gates

half the guys on these smaller shows make thier living as

"former UFC fighter" X
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:56 pm ET

Who told you that fighters outside Zuffa don't get sponsored?
Moreover, there are sponsors that are banned in Zuffa for one reason or another - there might be more sponsors outside of Zuffa.

In Dream, fighters had TV exposure. In OneFC, they have it too.
So they will be sponsored, and get the money.

 

markdaprodigy on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:03 pm ET
I agree that guys are still going to get sponsored and make money from it but if guys are on fuel doing the weigh-ins and then they are on free tv that is available to twice as many ppl as hdnet your gonna make more sponsor money there are ppl that still call mma ufc, and they think the ufc is the only thing out there those are the same fans that wear tapout and affliction...its the more casual fan exposure the part time mma fans that see a ufc on fuel or fx or fox. and go out and buy mma **** 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:07 pm ET
You're talking about USA right now.
OneFC is for Asian market, not for the American one.
 

markdaprodigy on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:17 pm ET
yeah that true but the, highest paid mma fighters are in the ufc, which is somewhat global, My point is IMO the potential to make the most money is with the ufc, no matter what market, be it european, asian, whatever...now there are some exceptions but very few and Bibi is not an exception, eddie alvarez is an exception and lombard was an exception but is now going to make tons of cash in the ufc 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:24 pm ET

What makes you think that Bibiano is in a different situation than Lombard/Avlares?

The situation is exactly the same - all of them come from big orgs with big salaries.
All of them are top 15 - Bibiano is actually top 10, unlike them.

 

TilapiaGCI on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:32 pm ET
I'm glad that the UFC bans certain sponsors.  A couple of years ago when guys were wearing trunks with "Condom Depot" on the rear was a little too much for me.  
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:34 pm ET

...yeah, or "KTFO".
I remember.

Well, what can I tell ya - I'm sure that it's the only reason Zuffa bans sponsors.

 

FacePuncher on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:43 pm ET
They banned "The Gun Store" when they started their new deal with Fox. Something about international marketing.
 

Chris27 on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:39 pm ET
No it isnt the same. Lombard and Eddie are bigger names than Bibiano. Nobody knows who Bibiano is in the US. his name is in Japan. Eddie and Lombard fight for the number 2 org, both held Bellator titles, Bellator is a more known mma org than Dream in the US.
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:51 pm ET
Well...Dream was not in US, and neither is OneFC.
He's going to be there, and is going to do well.
 

atwork on Jun 12, 2012 at 5:25 pm ET
I'm not an agent but I would guess you can get more sponsorship money with a million people watching you fight over what ever the alternatives are........

Agree or Disagree?

 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 5:35 pm ET
You get sponsorship money from the sponsor.
The sponsor decides how much it is going to be.
It doesn't matter how many trillions have watched the show. It's in their hands.
 

mmablaster on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:39 pm ET
Problem with sponsors in the UFC is that they have to pay 50K+ just to be on the shorts.  If Bibiano has sponsors who aren't already dealing with the UFC on a regular basis, I'm sure they wouldn't want to pony up the cash.  


 

markdaprodigy on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:57 pm ET
Ultimately if you win in the ufc you are going to make more money, even if you get offered more somewhere else chances are the first offer you get will be the best and it wont get any better, look at michael mcdonald he ran through the competition in his first fight now he got a new contract, which im sure is alot better then his first one...not to mention sponsors will pay more for more exposure and there is no way there is any more fighter exposure then with the ufc...fighters think too much about the up front money which dontget me wrong is important but if you add in potential bonuses more sponsorship money and contract renewals your gonna make more money with the ufc 
 

markdaprodigy on Jun 12, 2012 at 12:57 pm ET
Michael mcdonald ran through the com in his first fights*
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:09 pm ET
Who told you that MacDonald will get more than Bibiano?
MacDonald was definitely offered more money in the UFC, because he came from the small show.
 

markdaprodigy on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:21 pm ET
IM not saying he is going to make more the bibiano i am saying Mcdonald is going to make more then the first contract...for bibi I anticipate the same thing as he is an exciting fighter but he is unproven against the best fighters in the world at 135...should he prove himelf in exciting fashion he could expect a hefty raise and then more and more as he keeps winning/getting a bigger fan base 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:29 pm ET

Again, that's not a consideration of "what if".
MacDonald would've done the same, had he the same choice that Bibiano has.

No one comes to the contract from the consideration "I'll get more if I win 3 fights in a row".
There are injuries, cuts, unfair decisions, whatnot.
Money on the table comes first and foremost.

Plus, you do not know how much he was offered in other places.

 

markdaprodigy on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:22 pm ET
Yeah i see what your saying i mean there is nothing better then guaranteed money, I am obviously a long term thinker...i understand there reasoning...I do think Potential is valuable but i dont have kids or a family to feed so i guess my decision are of course different 
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:56 pm ET
Long term, it still pays off.

Look at Bibiano.
Got an offer while being FW in Dream. Rejected. Got another offer after Dream fell. Rejected because of the better one.
Still pays off.
 

TilapiaGCI on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:20 pm ET
I Don't know about that one.  Nick Diaz got a better offer when they bought out his pro boxing option.  Lumbard tested the market and lands a better offer too.   
 

VadimWhite on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:33 pm ET
Nick Diaz got a better offer - a championship fight.
 

Chris27 on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:48 pm ET
You are right in the long term if you win fights and do well in the UFC you will make more money than anywhere else. But some guys, not saying they are scared but if you are Mamed and you get 30k a fight from KSW, if thats the real number and if thats just 30k a fight win or lose, for the UFC to offer you 20/20 he can feel thats risky. Yes if he wins he gets more but lets face it, in the uFC he will actually have to fight top MW. in KSW he isnt fighting anyone good so he probably knows he is gonna win. IN the UFC he will have much tougher fights so they want that guaranteed money to be more. They arent looking at it like if I win I'll get more, sponsors, bigger name, higher ranked opponents build my stock, chances for FOTN/Ko/SUb awards etc, they just see that up front money and tougher fights that they could lose so they want all the money they can get guaranteed. Some guys dont care about that, some see that taking that first deal doesnt matter, just get in the uFC, win fights, be exciting and you will get a bigger contract next time and you can make alot of money with sponsors, FOTN/Ko/Sub bonuses etc. Like take Justin Lawrence, he got 8/8 for his win at the TUF finale but he also got KO and FOTN, so he make 96k and that doesnt even include sponsor money. So he made over 100k for that fight and that was a TUF finale fight. So you can make alot of money in the UFC outside of the show money but none of that is guaranteed so guys want that show money to be big because thats the only money you are guaranteed to get for stepping in the cage.
 

coreymb on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:12 pm ET
Some of these guys that are not in UFC are making serious bank. Not just in show pay, but behind the scenes money and big time sponsor money as well. It isn't just UFC that does these things. Mamed is loaded with huge sponsors and seems to be living a very fancy lifestyle. 

Overall, yes, in UFC you have the most potential to make some serious money, but there are always exceptions with certain fighters out there that are extremely valuable to their respected organization and they get paid that way..

And, of course, none of us really know truly what anyone is making. We just get an idea.
 

markdaprodigy on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:17 pm ET
that is true i mean we are all going off of disclosed pay which imo is not anywhere near what fighters really make...and in my post above i really do value Potential cash...IMO i think its very important and i do think long term which maybe isnt the best lol im not a fighter and ive never negotiated a contract soo i i guess you gotta go for that gauaranteed money 
 

coreymb on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:01 pm ET
For sure.
People also forget how big Mamed is in regards to pulling in viewers/selling tickets. I'd find it hard to believe that he's not making serious bank. What is Mamed's potential? I don't see him being a threat for the title in UFC, so it's really hard to say what could his potential cash value being in UFC compared to what he is getting right now considering he is the star.

If he wasn't making the kind of money which I think he is, then I don't think he'd find a 20/20 contract as laughable.


 

Chaely on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:10 pm ET
But there's a point where you're making too much for these upstart organizations.  They may pay you in hopes of it paying off on the back end but it hasn't worked for most of these companies.
 

BispingMWChamp2012 on Jun 12, 2012 at 1:39 pm ET
what???? The guy isn't injured as reported???

Who else isn't really injured????

Ticket buyers beware!!!!
 

coreymb on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:07 pm ET
He was never reported as injured. Helps to read the articles.




 

markdaprodigy on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:38 pm ET
I read on some other websites he was injured, but i also read that he signed a contract but that wasnt true either lol
 

FacePuncher on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:58 pm ET
So did the UFC "leak" that he was signed in order to sell out 149 and then claim he wasn't going to fight because of an injury. That sound like a whole lot of shady.
 

Yeralidyuts on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:46 pm ET
Actually junkie reported at 6:30 this morning. Helps if you actually read the articles before you comment, fuktard.
 

shogunwandyfedor on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:54 pm ET
damn buddy take it easy,got some pent-up emotions u need to get off your chest?
 

coreymb on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:57 pm ET
No replacement has been announced for Fernandes, and the reason for his removal wasn't disclosed. A replacement is being sought to fight Delorme.

UFC never talked of an injury in regards to why Fernandes wasn't going to be on the card anymore.
 

coreymb on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:04 pm ET
Should add that mma opinion is the site that was saying Fernandes was injured.

Unless UFC royally screwed up, why would they say they pulled him due to injury? Fighters only seemed to be on this from the start calling the rumors of injury false.
 

markdaprodigy on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:50 pm ET
mma weekly had an article saying Bibi was injured as well
 

coreymb on Jun 12, 2012 at 5:26 pm ET
They clearly jumped the gun then.

It's funny, in these articles it says he pulled due to injury and then later in the article is says for "undisclosed reasons". Any reports of injury was just false as well all know now. Fighters only was really on top this at least.

Like I said above, mma opinion really jumped the gun and then it appears that others followed with it. I guess it's easy to say he's injured when he's pulled from a card though.
 

shogunwandyfedor on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:50 pm ET
a few articles down from this one on junkie's homepage, informs us that UFC officials removed the bout due to injury and the reason for his removal wasn't disclosed. I believe he was making a joke
 

dbree801 on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:47 pm ET
It says in the article earlier today that he is injured and then it said it wasn't disclosed as to why he was pulled from the bout- now this crap is out.    
 

dbree801 on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:51 pm ET
"Newly signed bantamweight Bibiano Fernandes (11-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is injured and out of his UFC 149 bout with Roland Delorme (8-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)."
 

theprodigy00 on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:25 pm ET
Bibiano is a top notch fighter, but he should not turn down an offer from the UFC unless it truly was a bad offer. I don't see how many offers from the UFC could be bad. I also find it hard to believe that the UFC wouldn't give him an offer that is decent enough for him to take, especially considering they pay for your healthcare as opposed to other promotions that don't. And an even bigger part of the scenario for Bibiano would be that he is an exciting fighter and a fighter who finishes, so he would surely be up for bonuses from the UFC as well. All in all, he is stupid for not taking an offer from the UFC regardless of what another promotion offered him. Unless they offered the healthcare and mass exposure the UFC does, then is it really worth it? Once you fight in the UFC, win or lose you can make your name in and outside of the UFC. If it's outside you become former UFC fighter and you headline cards and make some money that way, and if you stay in the UFC and win some fights you get paid more and you capitalize on the bonuses the UFC hands out. Bibiano Fernandes is a good fighter, but I cannot say he is great until he has fought and won/put up a damn good fight against Urijah Faber, Renan Barao, Michael Mcdonald, Ivan Menjivar, or Dominick Cruz. I have yet to see him fight either of those guys, therefore he basically needs to put up or shut up. Apparently he isn't too worried about being in the UFC one day, seeing as he just spoke out publicly about their dealings with him. That isn't exactly something that will get you far in the future with the world's largest MMA promotion.
 

theprodigy00 on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:35 pm ET
I forgot he already got his ass beat by Faber a while back at 145. I would find it extremely hard to believe that he would have a better shot against Faber at 135.
 

BK1 on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:11 pm ET
If you knew anything, that was only the 2nd fight of his career, and it was Faber's 17th fight.... Huge experience gap.
 

theprodigy00 on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:56 pm ET
Had it been Bibiano's 17th fight and Faber's 2nd Faber still would have beat his ass. All of it is besides the point that Bibiano would get beat by the guys I mentioned he needs to fight in order to have the kind of credibility he thinks he has. The lighter weight classes are still developing and the only big names that the casual fan can see are Cruz and Faber at Bantamweight and Aldo at Featherweight. Then there is every one else. So whoever is coming in from the outside has to make a name for themselves by making it to the UFC and beating some high level talent, which is exactly what the UFC has at Bantamweight. I would say the best Bantamweight outside of the UFC isn't even Bibiano... that title goes to Eduardo Dantas.
 

dbree801 on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:51 pm ET
I want to know if he is even injured or if its a UFC spin.
 

Chaely on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:05 pm ET
Seems rather odd for the UFC to have announced he was signed and scheduled him for a fight and not actually have him signed.  I can't recall that ever happening before and I'm wondering how this going to turn out for Bibiano--not good, I would guess.
 

onebigarm on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:11 pm ET
Bibiano's gotta do what he's gotta do - Dana White knows that and, I believe, respects that. This is just a statement to clear the air for his fans, and a well-worded one at that. I wouldn't really expect too much blowback. Dana will remind the media that this news never came out of his mouth, so I don't think there's a lot to worry about. If Bibiano is going to get paid well in an organization that looks to have their **** together, then I guess he's fine with that.
 

WHMoff33 on Jun 12, 2012 at 3:38 pm ET
Bibiano did get beat by Urijah Faber, IN HIS 2nd PROFESSIONAL MMA FIGHT! And in KING OF THE CAGE. Learn to add some depth to these posts.
 

alex831 on Jun 12, 2012 at 4:26 pm ET
$ 6,000 to fight 
plus $ 6,000 if you win 

the most important contract i plan to sign
 

evryidwstakn on Jun 13, 2012 at 1:41 am ET
A little off topic but this Calgary card is really pissing me off!! Now Dana's booking fighters who aren't even signed to fill a card?? They log jam divisions, book the biggest fights for Vegas when other cities have huge fan bases and larger arenas, have fighters dropping out like flies just to mention a few things. I can't even bother with this S%&T anymore!!    
 

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