Vadim Finkelstein: Brock Lesnar’s defeat did not surprise me
Speaking via the Russian Championat.Ru website, M-1 Global CEO Vadim Finkelstein responded to Brock Lesnar’s defeat against Cain Velasquez at UFC 121. Unlike the UFC President Dana White, Finkelstein kept his cool, simply saying that Lesnar’s defeat did not surprise him. Fedor Emelianenko was in the U.S. last week for a two-hour MMA seminar master class at the M-1 Global training facility in Chatsworth, California on Sunday October 17th. Emelianenko also promoted EA Sports’ MMA game, winning a virtual dream match against the UFC Hall of Famer Randy “The Natural” Couture.
– Were you surprised by the outcome of Brock Lesnar vs Cain Velasquez fight?
Brock Lesnar’s defeat did not surprise me. I expected him to lose, so it was. I really enjoyed Cain Velasquez’s performance. He had a very good gameplan coming to this fight, weathered the storm, went on the attack and won the fight. I always knew that Brock Lesnar will not have a long run as a Champion. Brock was supposed to lose in his previous fight, but he was lucky when he managed to miraculously bounce back against Shane Carwin.
– Do you think Dana White will lose his interest for Brock Lesnar after this defeat?
I don’t think people will forget about Brock Lesnar so quickly. At the moment he’s still quite a marketable product. People love to watch him fight, so why should White lose his interest to that type of fighter? Lesnar is a capable fighter, he’s big and strong. He’ll still create some intrigue in the division. But still, I don’t think he’ll become a Champion ever again.
– Do you think that if Lesnar fought Fedor, the result would be the same as against Velasquez?
Yes. I’m completely sure it would be the same. Fedor is much stronger than Lesnar in all aspects of fighting, on his feet and on the ground. Fedor is faster. Emelianenko would beat him up standing on submit him on the ground.
– If we compare the Heavyweight divisions of the UFC and Strikeforce. Which one in your opinion is more intriguing for the viewer?
It’s hard to say. Both promotions currently have very interesting fighters. Everyone loves something different. So the fans will choose what they like to see.
– If there would be an option to arrange a fight between Fedor and Lesnar, would you consider it?
We were ready to fight Lesnar, anywhere and anytime, as long as he was a champion. Right now, he’s doesn’t really interests us as a fighter. We have a goal – a rematch against Fabricio Werdum. After this, everything is possible. If this fight will interest the viewer and the UFC will make it possible, so why not?
– You and Fedor recently returned from the States. How was your trip?
Fedor was invited to organize a seminar, which took place in one of the M-1 sport complexes. This was the main purpose of the trip. The building was too small to accommodate everyone. There were so many people out there. The rest of the trip included standard things such as, interviews, press conferences and other business meetings.
