We wrote yesterday about the rocky contract negotiations between Gilbert Melendez (22-3, 1-1 UFC) and the UFC. Today, Bellator shocked the MMA landscape by announcing a multi-fight deal with one of the best lightweights in the world in Melendez, though the UFC currently maintains matching rights. Gilbert Melendez sits atop the UFC’s lightweight division. With […]
contracts
GSP announces indefinite leave from UFC
Earlier today, during a last minute scheduled press conference call from Montreal, Georges St-Pierre announced that he is going to take an indefinite leave of absence from the UFC and vacate his welterweight title in order to deal with personal issues. GSP opened up the conference call with the following statement, I’ve been fighting a […]
Bellator passes on Ben Askren
ESPN’s Josh Gross reports that Bellator will let Ben Askren leave for the UFC if Dana White wants the welterweight standout. Bellator head Bjorn Rebney told ESPN that it would not make an offer to Askren. Askren’s last contracted fight was this past July. Similar to Alvarez, its believed that Bellator has the right to […]
Chandler signs long term deal with Bellator
MMA Junkie reports that Bellator has signed Michael Chandler to a “long term deal” with the organization. According to Bellator, the signing makes Chandler one of the highest paid lightweights. According to Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney, Chandler will be with Bellator for a “minimum of eight fights.” Ironically, Chandler’s deal was made easier due to […]
Alvarez-Bellator lawsuit enters settlement discussions
The Eddie Alvarez-Bellator situation may be drawing closer to a possible settlement as Patrick English, attorney for Bellator, sent a letter to the Court requesting an extension of time to respond to Alvarez’s Counterclaims. The parties have agreed to the extension until March 1, 2013 and the Court approval should be a mere formality. Mr. […]