Mirko out of GP?!

[Shiruba]

http://www.sherdog.net/forums/showthread.php?t=410405

Wonder who they will replace him with. Fedor vs. Silva?

[The Ronin]

This really sucks.............

[Shiruba]

Maybe its that mirko's manager guy that's doing some shit. Well, Mirko shouldve known these things before the GP.

[Shinbone]

If this is true, and for now it seems it is then it is very bad for the fans and for PrideFC.

[TheDude]

Shit shit shit.

I will never forgive him, if he ruins the dream match.

[RedHawk]

Let's wait until we find out if this is true or not.


I've seen so many BS rumors before the big shows, it just pays to wait for a more credible source.

[Shinobu]

Money the reason? Sounds dodgy to me, whoever hires CC in this scenario has to pay his wages and all the $$ CC has to pay for contract violation.

[( o Y o )]

Seems to have some truth to it, which really pisses me off.

a) If he fights two fights he should be paid.
b) He gets paid so fucking much DSE may well not be able to afford it.
c) When did Mirko become a diva, and when did he forget that becoming the Champ "is the most important thing in my life"
d) If Mirko is asking money x2 up front, THAT is fucked up as he has little more that equal odds with Silva of fighting twice.

I want more info.....but the fact Fortunal hasn`t commented in that thread makes it seem true.

http://www.nokaut.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12742&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[RedHawk]

Well .................. now I'm completely pissed off.


Crying about money when he's the highest paid fighter in the sport. I hope he knows he's screwing the fans, in a big way.

[migs]

Well Mirko put his financial foot down with K-1 years ago and followed through by leaving and going to Pride, so following through with this wouldn't be a complete shock.

We'll see I guess but who would fight Silva? Werdum, Coleman, Zentsov?

[migs]

Well .................. now I'm completely pissed off.


Crying about money when he's the highest paid fighter in the sport. I hope he knows he's screwing the fans, in a big way.

Is he really a huge money guy? I have never heard about most Pride salaries/purses.

[RedHawk]

I'll take Sergei as a last min replacement.


Sergei vs Silva is a fight I've always wanted to see.

shame is we wouldnt get to see Alex vs Sergei in Sept. Just have to watch them fight another time. It would save the GP.


Feel sorry for Silva. Not only does he have Chuck on his mind, but now he might not know who's he's fighting in the GP.

[eatingfish]

I won't believe it til it's announced officially

[( o Y o )]

eating, PRIDE will put off anything official until the l;ast minute as now more than ever...they need ticket sales in a BAD way...and Mirko vs Silva will sell them. Even if this becomes ifficial now, I would doubt PRIDE would discuss it until the week of the event.

Fortunal is who I am waiting on.

[Mago]

It did sound like CroCop's way of talking and making stiff decisions... As a K1 fan, my only interest in this gp would be if Mirko could pull it off and win a much aniticpated Pride belt. He's trained for years, put a lot at stake (if he failed completely in MMA what would he do the rest of his career?), but now I feel sorry for him if his determintaion is indeed vanished like this "news" indicates, as his eyes are, like (oYo) said, not on the main objective of putting his name marked in stone in fighting history, but rather pure financial management for himself. Figthers in Pride are reported to win much more than even the highest K1 fighter (arguably an exception or two like Masato or Sefo, I don't really know), so only by having a secure place in Pride's elite should be enough to please any professional, not only money-wise, but also career wise - pride is undoubtely the best, most productive MMA circuit there is, I have strong doubts about his long-term future on some "hot new" american organization. Just think of Superleague - lots of fireworks when they were created, attracted a LOT of elite fighters, and in the end it was nothing more than a shallow cover of a org that is in ruins, has debts and dont pay the fighters for several shows - and the most injured are the fighters themselves that now were left empty-handed.

Oh well, I like Mirko a lot, I know he could win this, let's hope this is just a rumour or an attempt to scare Pride and demand some more cash, nothing like a serious withdraw..........

[Shiruba]

Filipovic's main point of contention appears to be the $150,000 purse that goes to the victor of the tournament — which the Croat said is insufficient considering he will have to win two bouts in one night to become Grand Prix champion.

When asked for reaction, a representative for Dream Stage Entertainment, the parent company of the PRIDE Fighting Championship, told Sherdog.com that they are in contact with the Croatian star. However DSE declined to offer any comment beyond that.

Vecernji list also reported that "Cro Cop" has fielded a substantial offer from the World Fighting Alliance, an American promotion that held a pay-per-view card on July 22 in Los Angeles.

http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=5219

[- SaTaN -]

Money the reason? Sounds dodgy to me, whoever hires CC in this scenario has to pay his wages and all the $$ CC has to pay for contract violation.

Mirko is a free-agent, he does not have a contract with Pride................

[Baggen]

If he fights twice he deserves to get paid twice (if its the same for atleast someone else in the tournament), but demanding that the gp winner cash price is increased is a bit bs but kinda cool aswell if this is infact what he has asked for quite sertain to win i guess.

The saddest part is that he steps away from his previous determinating to become the champ and now seems to be in it more in a cash perspective rather then having the eyes on the prize: rematch with fedor and the belt.

On another note what does it matter if wfa is succesfull or not? aslong as they can afford to pay mirko what he wants for say maximum a couple of years since i think he will retire soon. Perhaps that is what hees looking for now stockpile some easy cash from the wfa without the same risk as in pride.. just sad for the fans and i would have hoped he would have made a last effort for the pride belt then i would have understand if he left for some easy cash before retirement.

[Dado]

The original source is something i wouldnt take too seriously.

This could be true but I wouldnt believe it 100%.

[RedHawk]

oyo, has Fortunal said anything about this yet?


If this is true, Mirko would fuck up the best GP finals to date. I would see this move as WORSE than what Bob Sapp did to K1.


satan Mirko is a free-agent, he does not have a contract with Pride


He had to sign something to fight in the GP.

[Toffa]

Well Im hoping this is not true but if it is it could still be a great show. Put Zentsov in there against Wanderlei, that would be a great fight.

[slash]

http://www.sherdog.net/forums/showthread.php?t=410405

Real source is here:
http://www.vecernji-list.hr/newsroom/sports/more/604977/index.do

It says that CroCop won't fight in GP finals because in final fight (if he beats Silva) he won't be payed for fighting.
So that means, he would have to fight for free in final fight, and only if he wins he get's money (150,000 $)



I want more info.....but the fact Fortunal hasn`t commented in that thread makes it seem true.

http://www.nokaut.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12742&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Fortunal is in Sukosan, preparing final details for Sukosan Fight Night.


Crying about money when he's the highest paid fighter in the sport. I hope he knows he's screwing the fans, in a big way.

He won't live of his fans glory, but from the money he earns.
Why should he fight for free, if he get's in finals?



Fortunal is who I am waiting on.

Everyone from nokaut.com does :)

Filipovic's main point of contention appears to be the $150,000 purse that goes to the victor of the tournament — which the Croat said is insufficient considering he will have to win two bouts in one night to become Grand Prix champion.

No, his main point is that pride want's finalists of the tournament to fight for free, with winner only one getting the money.


He had to sign something to fight in the GP.

CroCop signs one fight contracts.

Well Im hoping this is not true but if it is it could still be a great show. Put Zentsov in there against Wanderlei, that would be a great fight.

But won't bring money like CroCop - Silva fight would.

[slash]

Anyway, why should anyone fight for free?

[seese]

Anyway, why should anyone fight for free?

It depends on what you can make from the next deal?

If the potodds are too good you cannot always throw your cards but instead take a risk.

As far as this case, Crocop doesnt need to take a risk and I understand that he wants more money - as he is in a situation that allows him to put pressure on DSE if the contract is written as it seems to be right now.

Though, in the pot lies alot of money, a grand prix belt, very good marketing value and of course a possible rematch with Fedor and a good chance to become legendary.

[( o Y o )]

My next question would then be.....surely Mirko knew this when he entered the GP 2 years ago and now this year. Why is it a problem now and not back when the GP started?

[Bangalter]

AAARgh! Let it not be true!!!!!

I'll never forgive Mirko, he's already rich and he's a fighter so fight!

EDIT.

Sound a bit weird, Mirko should know how it works, it shouldn't come as a shock to him.
Sounds like Mirko is getting greedy and the fans suffer.

[Freezing_Moon]

Jesus the WFA must be determined to drive themselves into debt. What are they going to do, pay Mirko to show up, beat Kimo maybe, then declare bankrupcy?

[Baggen]

AAARgh! Let it not be true!!!!!

I'll never forgive Mirko, he's already rich and he's a fighter so fight!

EDIT.

Sound a bit weird, Mirko should know how it works, it shouldn't come as a shock to him.
Sounds like Mirko is getting greedy and the fans suffer.

In the words of Mark Hunt "hes not a fighter"

[Bangalter]

In the words of Mark Hunt "hes not a fighter"

I wouldn't go so far, and we don't know the details yet.

But I was so looking forward to CC vs Wand 2 that it's inevitable for me to whiiiiiiiine!

BTW. MArk applauded Mirko's JD when they fought in K-1 so I think Mark respects Mirko.

[Baggen]

I wouldn't go so far, and we don't know the details yet.

But I was so looking forward to CC vs Wand 2 that it's inevitable for me to whiiiiiiiine!

BTW. MArk applauded Mirko's JD when they fought in K-1 so I think Mark respects Mirko.

Ofcourse he respects him, that was just something he said about mirko while meaning he didnt "bring" the fights in the ring rather then backing and stalking.

Yeah i was also looking forward to that fight and to the mirko vs nog in the final (im quite sure it will be those 2) and with mirko as winner and a rematch with fedor.. im still hoping they will come to terms and that mirko will fight.

However i must agree with other points beeing made mirko should have known this stuff since his last gp and from the start when he decided to join this one trying to change it now with threats seems a little dodgy and less of a "fighter spirit" face anyone at anytime and so on.. especially as there is a realistic chans he can get his hands on 2 belts.

On the otherhand i think he should get paid for two fights so should the others who will fight twice but if they dont get it either it puts it in a little different perspective but still dont se anything wrong with him wanting to get paied for 2 fights if he fights twice each fighter negotiates individually and so on.

If he now has asked for a higher gp winner price (i find this a bit unlikley to be his main point) well then the extra pay day is up for grabs for all 4 fighters.

[Grant Ellis]

Bring in Ross Pointon. j/k

Nah, just bring in Roman Zenstov or Pawel Nastula.

[slash]

My next question would then be.....surely Mirko knew this when he entered the GP 2 years ago and now this year. Why is it a problem now and not back when the GP started?

Boobs, Fortunal confirmed this info. CroCop is probably out of GP, unless they make a good deal.
http://www.nokaut.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12742&start=45

I don't understand why they didn't make contract before the tournament, instead of fight to fight contract.
CroCop probably expected one thing, while Pride had other plans...

It's Pride's fault for not making any "GP" contract with CroCop.
Look at Silva, he didn't wan't to fight in GP, unless he get's contract like he want's.

I support CroCop, anyone want's to get paid for there's job, just like CroCop want's.

And difference between Silva, Barnett, Minotauro and CroCop is that first three have multi-fight contracts, with guaranteed money while CroCop signs contract from fight to fight.

[Bangalter]

I belive DSE and Mirko will work it out, nobody wants to ruin the GP.

[slash]

How much is the prize money for fighter who looses in finals?

[FieldingMellish]

Bring in Ross Pointon. j/k

Nah, just bring in Roman Zenstov or Pawel Nastula.

LOL, Ross would do it though.

[Shinobu]

Boobs, Fortunal confirmed this info. CroCop is probably out of GP, unless they make a good deal.
http://www.nokaut.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12742&start=45

I don't understand why they didn't make contract before the tournament, instead of fight to fight contract.
CroCop probably expected one thing, while Pride had other plans...

It's Pride's fault for not making any "GP" contract with CroCop.
Look at Silva, he didn't wan't to fight in GP, unless he get's contract like he want's.

I support CroCop, anyone want's to get paid for there's job, just like CroCop want's.

And difference between Silva, Barnett, Minotauro and CroCop is that first three have multi-fight contracts, with guaranteed money while CroCop signs contract from fight to fight.
They don't have a contract yet? That's just crazy :).
I don't support his decision and he won't win too many fans over with it, I'm sure of that. If he thinks he deserves better that is all fine and no one would force him to work for Pride. But this should be negotiated before taking part in a GP. Now he spoils the whole tournament.
Very disappointing, really.

[TheDude]

Well, I think it tells a lot more about CroCop than about Silva/Barnett/Nogueira/DSE that he is the only one out of the bunch without a multi-fight deal. And the fact that he pulls something like this when Pride is in the hole we all know...well, that leaves a lot of questions about his character. Maybe Hunt was right.

[( o Y o )]

Financial reasons or not, if it were Silva now making this noise everyone would be saying he is scared to fight Mirko now. This does not make Mirko look good at all....whether he is in the right or not.

[heckyl]

Mirko hasnt looked too hot lately anyways. unmotivated as well. he probably doesnt care.

[RedHawk]

I think PRIDE needs to pay the runner-up of this tournament 75k. This amount is 1/2 as much as the champion will make.


I understand where mirko is coming from. But his decision not to fight in this GP should have been made BEFORE it started. He knew the circumstances. This should have been worked out beforehand.


Removing yourself from the tournament finals for financial reasons is pretty fucking lame.


I haven't heard any of the other fighters complaining about this. Most are looking forward to a fight with FEDOR if they can win.

[heckyl]

I haven't heard any of the other fighters complaining about this. Most are looking forward to a fight with FEDOR if they can win.


which is exactly why i said he probably doesnt care anymore. he doesnt seem to be itching to fight for that title like he once was. somebody wants money now.

[Grant Ellis]

Mirko is probably just going to go where he can get more money.

WFA paid Bas Rutten a lot, they will probably pay the same to Mirko... then we can have a bidding war for Mirko where the UFC wins out :P

(Dana White called him the best fighter in the world at one point, and I can imagine he would like to acquire him)

[derUbermensch]

WFA would go broke trying to pay Mirko what he wants, I don't care who backs them. UFC has no real pressing need for Mirko.

[Grant Ellis]

WFA would go broke trying to pay Mirko what he wants, I don't care who backs them. UFC has no real pressing need for Mirko.

UFC has no pressing need for legitimate heavyweights?
Are you sure?

After Sylvia vs. Monson, then what?
We have Vera.. but then who?

TUF had a bunch of blown up 205ers... the UFC needs guys like Mirko to step up and knock people out.

[Grant Ellis]

And I meant WFA would get Mirko for one fight... I don't imagine we will see Bas back anytime soon.

[derUbermensch]

UFC has no pressing need for legitimate heavyweights?
Are you sure?

After Sylvia vs. Monson, then what?
We have Vera.. but then who?

TUF had a bunch of blown up 205ers... the UFC needs guys like Mirko to step up and knock people out.

There are other HWs they could pick up besides a guy who incrementally demands more money. And not just any more money, more big ass money on a fight-by-fight basis. There is no need for a fighter like that on the roster just to 'save' the HW division. Tengiz, Tadas, Devin Cole, and Ben Rothwell all could be signed for less than 'Look mom, I have no heart ' Mirko.

[Baggen]

UFC has no pressing need for legitimate heavyweights?
Are you sure?



Why should they be in pressing need now? Their hw division has been crappy for so long and yet alot of people actually thinks those fighters are the best in the world. Isnt the cheap illusion the best option for ufc?

I guess mirko would skyrocket the status of their devision and deliver a number of ko:s the audience would love but perhaps it would be bittersweet when he leaves after humiliating sylvia and the rest of the devision where does the ufc stand then? Will people still beleve the remains of the division are the best fighters after mirko has walked trough all of them and is it worth all the extra cash for the risk/gains compared to the safe tuf path?

[Bangalter]

Mirko is probably just going to go where he can get more money.

WFA paid Bas Rutten a lot, they will probably pay the same to Mirko... then we can have a bidding war for Mirko where the UFC wins out :P

(Dana White called him the best fighter in the world at one point, and I can imagine he would like to acquire him)

I was under the impression that Mirko made about $500.000 per superfight.
Didn't the WFA pay Bas $200.000?

I've seen both WFA shows, their production sucks so far, how can Mirko leave an established organisation like Pride and spoil that relationship to make more money for one or maybe two fights at WFA?
Sounds stupid to me.

[( o Y o )]

Sakakibara said Mirko, Fedor and Silva are the three biggest paid guys they have. I actually don`t think Yoshida gets that much for general fights....NYE with something special happening and FujiTV money to throw around is a different story though.

I`m still having trouble with Mirko agreeing to fight in the GP only to now pull out. If nothing else it looks as though his management fucked up in not looking into the possibility Mirko would continue advancing.

If there are any Australians reading...this reminds me of the rich chick on Australias Next Biggest Model or whatever it is called...season 2...the one that left mid-show.

[Baggen]

I`m still having trouble with Mirko agreeing to fight in the GP only to now pull out. If nothing else it looks as though his management fucked up in not looking into the possibility Mirko would continue advancing.



I think its prides management that has fucked up here but perhaps they didnt think he would pull a stunt like this since he didnt last year or was he eliminated in the first gp fight there (randleman) and never got the chance? I dont think he would have done it then anyway since lack of other organizations and he seemed much more determined in getting his hands on the belt then anything else. I still remember his comments after the fedor fight.

Team member "you really messed him up look at his face"
Mirko "fuck that, he is still wearing the belt"

Anyway they should have signed special gp contracts on top of fighters currents from start with all the fighters involved and left those who wernt willing to do it out from start.

From mirkos point of view if he is hellbent on getting more money this is prolly the smart way to go since he now has an incredible amount of leverage on pride. Im hoping they will budge and mirko will do his fights in the gp and then face fedor but im not as sure i will root for him in that fight as i was previously.

[Freezing_Moon]

He'll be back in. I think they're just playing hardball, similar to what Fedor's management started doing last year.

[Bangalter]

He'll be back in. I think they're just playing hardball, similar to what Fedor's management started doing last year.

I agree.

[Viva Las Vegas]

"(Dana White called him the best fighter in the world at one point, and I can imagine he would like to acquire him)"
Now if Dana was asked he'd say he never heard of that guy. Or he most be some bum in some other shitty organization. Fuck Dana.

[derUbermensch]

He'll be back in. I think they're just playing hardball, similar to what Fedor's management started doing last year.

Jeez, Fedor at least walks forward in fights these days.

[loreia]

I am on vacation these days, and it was a big shock for me to find this out.
But, thinking about it rationally, I must say this:

1. Mirko looked unmotivated latelly, but I don't think he IS unmotivated.
He doesn't fight just for money, and a rematch with Silva is something he is taking vrey pationatelly.

2. Mirko going on vacation!?
LOL at this one. When asked about taking a vacation in an interview, he said something like: "I have not had a vacation in last 15 years. That is not for me. I just don't like lying on the beach."

3. In the past, whenever Mirko wanted to send a message through media he used "Vecernji List".
Just the fact that this appeared in Vecernji List, makes me believe that Mirko is trying to play the same game Fjodor played a year or so ago...
Also, whenever some important news regarding Mirko was published, it came directly from some member of CC team. Vecernji List was ALWAYS far far behind other media when publishing stuff about CC, but Mirko used this newspaper few times last year prior to his fight with Fjodor, when he was a bit nervous about his long postpond title shot.
In short, Vecernji does not publish exclusives about CC, and Mirko is just sending a message to DSE (I expect Sakakibara's rection soon)

4. WFA !?!?
Please! If he leaves Pride, K-1 is the only realistic chance for him to make a more than one fight contract. He is not going to leave Japan. NO bloody way.

5. If you ask me, Silva-CC is on.

[slash]

Mirko is in tournament... He came to aggrement with Pride

[heckyl]

good thing. this tourney would have had a meltdown without his participation.

[( o Y o )]

He'll be back in. I think they're just playing hardball, similar to what Fedor's management started doing last year.

THe difference here being Fedor had a legit complaint in that a) He was destroying all in his path and was the title holder, and b) was getting paid way less than the LHW title holder that was doing the same.

Mirko is on similar money now without the belt and without the entertaining performances since he lost to Fedor. I am obviously missing something huge because he is not in the position to be playing hardball like Fedor was.

[Freezing_Moon]

I dunno man. I know you live in Japan and all but whenever I'm over there the only two gaijin faces from Pride I ever see are Silva and CC. Maybe CC with a slight edge in visibility. I think Mirko's management could make a case for his marketability and worth as a brand, over someone like Fedor who is basically a dispassionate killing machine.

If CC's agents or whoever can prove that DSE make a lot of money out of him, he then has grounds to charge more than other fighters.

[Herbo]

If there are any Australians reading...this reminds me of the rich chick on Australias Next Biggest Model or whatever it is called...season 2...the one that left mid-show.

Ok, so im australian and I dont know what your on about... Thats just weird you watched that show and remember it man.

[( o Y o )]

Ok, so im australian and I dont know what your on about... Thats just weird you watched that show and remember it man.

I watched it just 2 weeks ago ;-)

[ArtOfWar]

A few comments and then I'll shut up. I'm a self confessed Mirko fanatic and so please take with a grain of salt

1. Mirko negotiating his price is not a bad thing.

Ideally he should have been aware of what he was getting into, but ideally Pride should also have been aware of the nature of Mirko's contracts and not have made any assumptions. As any project manager will tell you, there are always things that are forgotten when planning. There is a problem, lets negotiate. At least it is not as bad as walking out of the fight hall on the night of the OWGP. Fix the damn problem and lets move forward.

2. Mirko is after money

Of course he is. That does not make him a bad guy. A professional fighter should be: "I'll fight anyone if the price is right. " not "I'll fight anyone, no matter what the price"

I have to scoff at comments like 'he already has enough money'. When is money actually enough? Google up top 10 reasons for changing jobs. Check what occupies the 1st place with over 50% of the votes.

There are other fighters who have pulled of similar stunts. There are fighters who have openly admitted that they're in the sport for the money. The fact is Mirko is probably still one of the most marketable fighters in Pride and there is a good chance that he will not win the OWGP. Milk the cow when you have the chance. Hell, I would :P

3. Mirko is not supportive of Pride

Well, there is a saying: Dont bite the hand that feeds you. It probably goes both ways though. As long there is a mutually beneficial relationship between Pride and the fighters, things are good. We've seen Pride be in the danger of losing guys like Fedor and Wandy. Pride has lost Saku (although that was a Takada Dojo thing). Heath and Quinton left with bad tastes in their mouths for Pride. Mirko is just next except I would say the roles are reversed.

Mirko is still too valuable for Pride to lose. If there was a few more crushing defeats in Mirko's career, Pride would not think twice of dropping him. Its a dog eat dog world and you've got to be a doberman.

4. The title is only of secondary importance to Mirko

Assuming everything else is constant (money, health etc.) the title would be of paramount importance. We all have our priorities.

I have a great paying job now but it demands a lot out of me. I enjoy every moment of it but it is at the cost of not being with my family as much as I like. Now suppose my son falls critically sick...of course my priorities would change. I may consider quitting my 'dream' job to spend more time with him. Assuming that my dream job does not increase my salary despite my accomplishments, I would evaluate other options.

Likewise with Mirko. Based on what loreia told us, Mirko had not taken a vacation for a long time with his family. If not fighting, might as well spend some time with the family and have fun :P

All in all, I understand disappointment over Mirko not fighting but I'm not sure whats makes Mirko so bad all of a sudden.

[loreia]

All in all, I understand disappointment over Mirko not fighting but I'm not sure whats makes Mirko so bad all of a sudden.
He should have directed his statement to the fans not DSE. It would make him sound less well... greedy.

But a month from now, even sooner if he wins, everyone will forget about this.