News has emerged today that DREAM Bantamweight Champion Bibiano Fernandes (11-3) never actually signed a contract with the UFC. It was recently circulated through the media that Fernandes would be facing Roland Delorme at UFC 149 in Canada next month but this has now been cancelled.
Bibiano released a letter to the press today explaining the whole situation to the media. Here is what Bibiano Fernandes said in his letter to the press:
“I would like to make perfectly clear the news concerning my involvement with the UFC. It was announced that I, Bibiano Fernandes have been contracted to fight for the organization at UFC 149 which will take place in the city of Calgary on the 21st of July. I would like to make it clear that I am not a UFC athlete as I did not sign any contract with the UFC organization.”
“Negotiations between the UFC and myself did take place, however, we could not resolve the issues on the table and as a result we did not come to an agreement. The recent reports that have been circulating in the media are false, contrary to what is being said, I am not a UFC athlete. I am a family man before anything else and my profession as an athlete in this sport provides me with the ability and the necessary means to provide for my family.”
“I did not find the terms set before me by the UFC beneficial to my family and as a result an agreement could not be reached and no contract was signed. It should be noted that the UFC is the largest MMA organization in the world however, my personal and professional obligations have brought me to the decision that I will not be a part of the UFC organization at this point in time.”
“The day that an agreement is reached and the terms set forth are beneficial to both parties involved, I will have the most pleasure and satisfaction to fight for the organization while always representing my beloved country. In conclusion, I would like it to be known that I am still the Bantamweight Champion for the Dream organization. Last but not least, I would like to thank God and all my fans and hope they understand my decision”
The scheduled fight with Delorme was part of the card on the UFC.com website but was removed earlier today. However, a fighter profile for Fernandes does still exist. We are yet to hear the UFC’s stance on this whole issue, but it will be interesting to see what they have to say about this bizarre mix up.
Stay close to Pro MMA Now (www.prommanow.com) for more information on this story as it becomes available.
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