Fedor Emelianenko says Dana White 'always changes his story' on why the UFC never signed him
The 50-year-old also says the UFC only came for him when he was under contract elsewhere, never when he was a free agent.
Fedor Emelianenko has called Dana White's comments about him "nonsense" and said the UFC boss does not stand by his word.
"But now, Dana is talking all sorts of nonsense. First he wanted me then he didn't ... The man talks and always changes his story. He simply doesn't stand by his words. His way of doing business doesn't sit well with me," Emelianenko told the Russian YouTube show Ushatayka, in comments translated by Bloody Elbow.
Emelianenko said some businessmen are "decent and respectful" and keep their word on a handshake, without needing a contract.
He also said the UFC only showed interest in him when he was tied to another promotion. "But one fight earlier, I'd been a free agent. I was free and they didn't sign me. It happened every time. When I'm free they aren't interested, when I'm under contract, the offers start coming," he said.
White has said Emelianenko's side wanted a share of the UFC, and recently said he was glad the promotion never signed him because the money it offered would have been detrimental if he had accepted.
Emelianenko, who spent most of his career in Pride and had seven fights in Bellator, never fought in the UFC. He retired after a first-round loss to Ryan Bader at Bellator 290 but has not ruled out a return.
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