10 Things We Learned from Fedor Emelianenko's Leaked Contract

No Handpicking Opponents




Emelianenko didn't have much control over who he fought. He was allowed to reject one proposed opponent, but only one. After that he was forced to choose between two proposed opponents. Matchmaking was almost solely in the hands of his promoter, M-1 Global:

2.4. Opponent(s): Fighter's opponent in each Bout shall be assigned by Global, at Global's sole discretion, provided, however that Fighter shall be entitled an opportunity to reject, in the exercise of commercially reasonable judgment, the first proposed opponent. Under such condition, Global shall then offer Fighter one additional proposed opponent. If Fighter wants to reject any opponent, Fighter must send Global written notice of such rejection within 48 hours of receipt of written notice of the assignment by Global. Fighter shall be obligated, however, to accept one of two opponents offered by Global to Fighter for such Bout. Any opponent shall be selected by Global in good faith negotiation with Manager. Global is obligated to make every commercially reasonable effort to select opponents that positively support the career of Fighter and will lead to a respected bout within the industry.