Monte Cox talks offer for Couture vs. Fedor in new interview

Bingham's Blog recently scored an interview with M-1 Global president and CEO Monte Cox. It's a pretty good interview with some pretty noteworthy Q&A exchanges, including Cox commenting on talk that M-1 Global extended an offer to the UFC to make Fedor vs. Randy Couture dream match  a reality:

Brandon Brigham: Speaking of mistakes, let's talk about the story that came out recently that the UFC had turned down an offer from you guys, M-1, to put on the fight between Randy Couture and Fedor. Is there any truth to that report and if so, what do you think was the reason the UFC refused to put on the so called "Dream Match"?

Monte Cox: All I know is that I sent an email to Dana White and Joe Silva, saying we would be interested in putting a Fedor-Randy fight together ... and asking if there was any interest... I didn't get a reply. As far as why they didn't choose to move on the offer... I don't know. I'm sure they have their reasons.

I know that Cox and Dana White have had their issues in the past, but how does someone from the UFC not even send a reply back? At least saying something like, "Sorry, we're not interested at this time."

Cox is also predicting a legal showdown between Couture and the UFC:

Brandon Brigham: At the last HDNet fights, Randy Couture stated that he would be able to fight Fedor in October of 2008. Have their been any talks between M-1 and Randy about the proposed fight with Fedor?

Monte Cox: No... you know, I hear all the stuff, but there is going to be a lot of legal battling between Randy and the UFC before this gets settled. I'm in the wait and see mode right now... if he becomes available, and wants to do the fight, I'd be crazy not to pursue it.

 The name of Josh Barnett also came up during the course of conversation:

Brandon Brigham: The whole MMA World seems to be wondering what is going on with Josh Barnett. Has M-1 been in contact with Josh at all and if so, how have those talks been going?

Monte Cox: I contacted Josh shortly after I got the job with M-1 Global and never got a call from his manager. I keep hearing he is going to sign with Elite, but I'm not sure what he is doing.

Brandon Brigham: I don't think anyone does. Well, we know that if he's with anyone but the UFC, it seems like there is always an opening for a fight with another promotion as long as it works out for both sides.

Brandon Brigham: So, I guess there is still hope for the Josh Barnett vs. Fedor fight after all, even if Josh goes to Elite.

Monte Cox: Sure... provided we can work something out between the two organizations. I get along very well with Elite.

The rumor about Barnett going to EliteXC has been out there for many months. In fact, he was in Hawaii for the show on Sept. 15 and there were whispers then that Barnett was set to sign a contract with them. Apparently he's gotten big money offers from both EliteXC and M-1 Global but for whatever reason, has yet to decide on one.

Just click here to read the interview in its entirety. 

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com