Dana White on Bibiano Fernandes: “He’s a grown Man, he can go fight somewhere else if he wants”

Written by Jason Gittens Wednesday, 13 June 2012 14:01

While the UFC was removing Bibiano Fernandes’ name from UFC 149’s fight card, the ex-DREAM champ took to his facebook account to explain what was happening between him and the UFC as far as negotiations go.

Part of what Fernandes said on his FaceBook page was:

“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, Negotiations between 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.

When MMAWeekly.com asked Dana White about the situation, White didn’t really seem all that bothered by it, as he just marked up as that is how negations go sometimes.

“If the guy says he didn’t sign, he didn’t sign, That’s why I don’t like announcing a lot of stuff, because these guys will have a verbal, and verbals suck. You can’t get anything done with a verbal.”
“He’ a grown man, he can go fight somewhere else if he wants if he doesn’t have a deal.” The UFC president said on Tuesday.

Fernandes is a very good fighter and should be highly coveted by any organization big or small, but the reality is, is that if he’s really concerned about the money the UFC is offering, then he’s unlikely going to yield a higher wage anywhere else, nor will he be able to fight for an organization that will make you famous like the UFC will.

Fernandes’ career will blossom under a UFC contract, going to Bellator, OneFC and the others will see him fight less, and make less, and will not advance his profile as a fighter even a fraction as much as the fighting in the UFC would. And fighting in the UFC will keep him close to home as well. Really it’s his only choice if he’s looking for a big pay day.

If the UFC is not offering him what he feels he’s worth, it is likely because as good as Fernandes has been in Japan, he is completely unproven in North America. The UFC is very likely apprehensive to offer Fernandes a big contract for that very reason, and they likely have also worked into their assessment, the fact that barely any fighters who were successful in Japan, have been able to make a successful transition to a north American promotion.

Just ask Jorge Santiago, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Shinya Aoki, Dave Herman, Maximo Blanco just to name a few.

If Fernandes is wise, and really wants to make the big money, he’d take the UFC offer, but maybe just take a 2 or 3 fight deal, prove your worth and re-negotiate.

Do you think he should take whatever the UFC offers? or do you think he should just go back to fighting in Asia or Bellator?

I have a feeling he’ll sign eventually.