-- Chester Martell, Saskatoon, Canada
The professional mixed martial arts climate has undergone a profound change since White entered Liddell in the Pride middleweight grand prix in 2003. Despite the admirable efforts of Strikeforce and failed attempts by EliteXC and others, the UFC now casts a nearly impenetrable shadow across the sport. Back when White sent Liddell to Pride, the UFC was still making its play for a piece of the global MMA pie. Once Pride sold out, the balance of power shifted, and the UFC has only tightened its grip on the marketplace since.
I have no doubt that White remains a true fan at heart and genuinely wants to see the best fighters emerge, but he works for the UFC and his first loyalty lies with the company. Right now, what possible benefit could he draw from sending his biggest star, Lesnar, to compete inside an organization with nowhere near the following? The risk far outweighs the reward, and I cannot fault White for balking at the idea of using his heavyweight champion as a mercenary.
Anyone with a pulse wants to see Lesnar fight Emelianenko. If you need someone at whom to point the finger of blame, start with Emelianenko and his handlers. From all indications, the UFC made him a fair offer -- providing him with a chance to cement his legacy as the sport’s greatest heavyweight -- and he elected not to accept. For now, we can only hope that someday Lesnar and Emelianenko will stand across the Octagon from one another.