Tuesday, December 08, 2009 by Jake Rossen (jrossen@sherdog.com) 21421 So you thought Dana White was a jingoist motormouth, unable to respect the cultural divide between Russia and the US, and that the “crazy Russians” mantra was all in the service of spin. If you did, consider Fanhouse’s news that Gegard Mousasi claims he can only compete on Strikeforce shows also featuring Fedor Emelianenko. “When he fights,” Mousasi told Ariel Hawani via e-mail, “I will fight too.” This is, of course, ludicrous. Strikeforce is already tied off by a limited roster: the idea that they have to concern themselves with making sure Mousasi is piggybacked on Emelianenko’s (infrequent) appearances would be enough to drive anyone off a cliff. What happens if Emelianenko gets hurt? Does Mousasi feel a tingle in the problem area, like a twin? When asked about the pairing recently, Scott Coker told gathered press that the two wouldn’t always be appearing on the same card. (Mousasi had, in fact, gone it alone on an August show.) Whether Strikeforce cooperates or not, this is likely an attempt by M-1 Global -- Fedor and Mousasi’s parental management company -- to make sure Mousasi gets plenty of exposure on network cards hyped and topped by his famous friend. That’s swell, but it shouldn’t prevent Mousasi from competing in between lengthy injury sabbaticals, something Emelianenko has suffered from. Look at both athletes closely next time they’re on air. If you really pay attention, you can see the strings. I love watching both fighters, but that is nonsense.
It is a bit crazy that these guys should be so loyal to M1, considering how restrictive it is.....they must be getting some juicy pay-packet.
Either that, or they're scared the Russian Mafia will kill them and their family if they try to leave. TFK
I don't see how the author draw this conclusion from the Moussassi e-mail. Well, I guess some people will use whatever they can to suit their agenda.
Man, some guys don't even read what they post! :: Taken from the article you posted. “When he fights,†Mousasi told Ariel Hawani via e-mail, “I will fight too.â€