Aleks in Bodog

[Cbear]

Since he has signed with Bodog, does this give any indication of what Fedor might eventually do? Fedor definitely wants to keep the option to fight in Russia and Dana wants an exclusive contract. Aleks left Pride for Bodog and it doesn't even seem that UFC was a consideration--at least it wasn't publically talked about much. With Pride sinking further into the Abyss and K-1 having tons of problems with their weekend show, its looking more and more like Bodog is the only serious competitor to the UFC.

[kowarrior]

There is no competition for the UFC right now. None! Bodog is nothing. I'm upset that Pride has most likely bitten the dust. I loved the Pride theme with the pyros.:)

[niniendowarrior]

Since he has signed with Bodog, does this give any indication of what Fedor might eventually do?

As far as I know, Fedor and Aleks are not in contact and seem to be on separate paths. That said, I think Aleks' decision has no real influence to what Fedor might do. It does not mean Fedor won't sign with Bodog though.

[Tallica1981]

As far as I know, Fedor and Aleks are not in contact and seem to be on separate paths. That said, I think Aleks' decision has no real influence to what Fedor might do. It does not mean Fedor won't sign with Bodog though.

I agree. I don't think it gives us any insight into what Fedor will do. I have a feeling Fedor might sign with Bodog, but not because of Aleks's choice to do so.

[Cbear]

As far as I know, Fedor and Aleks are not in contact and seem to be on separate paths. That said, I think Aleks' decision has no real influence to what Fedor might do. It does not mean Fedor won't sign with Bodog though.

The thought crossed my mind that Ayers would hire Aleks as a way to stay in good with the family and perhaps as a conduit to Fedor. Bodog got chummy with Red Devil early and that has turned out to be a good movie in light of Prides implosion.

Since Ayers is basically living in exile down south, I would expect him to be courting BTT and Chute Box heavily.

[ilostmydog]

Fedor's reportedly making $2 - $2.5 million a fight to smash chumps in Bodog. If he wants to make mad cash money and not leave his home turf, he might as well stay there.

[Cbear]

I have read follow up reports that Fedor didn't make nearly as much as initially reported and the real number is 1 mil or less. Also the money that Aleks signed for was less than some expected. He wasn't a high priced guy to begin with so I would peg him making below 150k per fight, maybe alot lower.

[Onion]

yeah considering how many buys a Bodog PPV gets, they can't afford to pay $2million+ to one guy. Just not financially feasable, unless they are truly looking long term, then it could be looked at as an investment to help the company grow, which to be honest makes sense as Bodog would get less than half the viewers or attention if Fedor's name was not attached to the company

[Cbear]

yeah considering how many buys a Bodog PPV gets, they can't afford to pay $2million+ to one guy. Just not financially feasable, unless they are truly looking long term, then it could be looked at as an investment to help the company grow, which to be honest makes sense as Bodog would get less than half the viewers or attention if Fedor's name was not attached to the company

I forget the quote but somewhere it was reported that he earmarked 50 million to Bodog Fight to make it go, so that would last about 2-3 years. He is not making any money off of it, its just a money pit and no different from any other toy he owns. Forbes took him off the billionaires list and its been reported his fortune has dropped by half so that 50 mil might be alot more important this year than last.

Supposedly the fighters like the org as they get treated very well and its an easy schedule. Bodog typically tapes a short season in the span of a few weeks and its over--much like TUF.

[Onion]

I forget the quote but somewhere it was reported that he earmarked 50 million to Bodog Fight to make it go, so that would last about 2-3 years. He is not making any money off of it, its just a money pit and no different from any other toy he owns. Forbes took him off the billionaires list and its been reported his fortune has dropped by half so that 50 mil might be alot more important this year than last.

Supposedly the fighters like the org as they get treated very well and its an easy schedule. Bodog typically tapes a short season in the span of a few weeks and its over--much like TUF.

I think he will have to have more frequent PPVs though if he wants any kind of following. The tournament show is more up-and-comers than anything, so it will be hard to keep fans watching without consistent names to follow

[Cbear]

In the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, they mention a bit about what it took for Bodog to get Fedor and why its an obstacle elsewhere. Basically, his management want you to hire everyone around him as part of getting Fedor. They want other Red Devil fighters used such as Roman Zentsov and Aleks. Fedors agent gets the right to promote shows and was instrumental in the recent Russian show. Most of this wouldn't happen in a deal with the UFC since they would only want Fedor and want exclusive rights. They might also use other Red Devil fighters but I can't see them being bullied into it.

Just for Cameron and DHK, here is the rasslin tie in. Hulk Hogan used to be renowned for these tactics when he ruled the pro wrestling world. Wherever the Hulkster went, he got all his freinds hired such as Ed Leslie (Brutus Beefcake), Brian Knobbs, Greg Valentine, Steiner and others. Those guys also got decent pushes and were protected as part of the deal with Hulk.

Fedor doesn't draw money like Hogan did so Red Devil may be overestimating his financial worth to a fight company.