Dana White explains why Fedor Emelianenko never came to the UFC

Dana White has revealed why Fedor Emelianenko, widely considered one of the greatest heavyweight fighters ever, never signed with the UFC despite the promotion's best efforts to recruit him.

White disclosed on "The Pivot" podcast that the UFC had pursued Emelianenko aggressively, with plans to match him against Brock Lesnar. The offer was substantial enough that White and co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta were actually relieved when negotiations fell through. "We offered him so much money," White explained. "When me and Lorenzo got on the plane and left wherever we were, we looked at each other and said, 'Thank God they said no.' I don't regret it."

Emelianenko's absence from the UFC remains one of MMA's notable what-ifs. When the organization acquired Pride Fighting Championships in 2007—where Emelianenko had reigned as heavyweight champion—the Russian legend did not join the promotion. Instead, he fought briefly in Strikeforce before moving to Bellator after the UFC acquired that organization in 2011. Emelianenko completed his career in Bellator, retiring in 2023 following a knockout loss to Ryan Bader. Despite missing out on prime Emelianenko, White does not view the failed negotiations as a regret, suggesting the financial commitment would have been unsustainable for the UFC at that time.