JR Speaks on Affliction Closing and UFC’s Potential Gains

Jim Ross has updated his blog over at JRsBarBQ.com. Below are some highlights.

"With Affliction canceling their August 1 event, it looks as if that promotion has signaled its death knell and with that said one could make the assumption that UFC will have the opportunity to pick up as many fighter contracts from Affliction as UFC chooses. From all that I read, Affliction is essentially history which makes their contracted fighters available. UFC is in the cat bird’s seat as it relates to signing who they want to join their already deep and talented roster."

"The individual with the most interest will be heavyweight kingpin Fedor (no last name required) who is, arguably, thought by many to be the top heavyweight in MMA. UFC officials are too smart to sign Fedor to a one fight deal as that would be totally insane. Fedor has little leverage in these negotiations unless he thinks fighting in Japan is the answer for him and his career. Fedor is a special fighter, without question, but much of the Russian’s specialness comes from the fact that he has only one blemish on his record and that many fans feel that Fedor can’t be beat. That would be wrong.

"Fedor’s allure will be drastically affected when he is finally defeated, ala when Goldberg’s ‘winning steak’ ended in WCW as it relates to marketing/promotion/ perception, and without question someone will definitely defeat the powerhouse puncher some where down the road. Nonetheless signing Fedor would be a coup for UFC but only if it fits their business model. I am told that a deal with Fedor comes with many demands and with a huge entourage. Neither of those issues are particularly positive but certainly not deal breakers. The PPV potential of a Fedor vs. Lesnar bout is a no brainer."

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