Beyond Fedor Emelianenko, Bibiano Fernandes is perhaps the best fighter in this current era to never fight in the UFC. And it appears the 36-year-old free agent isn’t going to be heading there.
In an interview with Flo Combat, Fernandes stated he has a verbal agreement to stay with Asian MMA leader, ONE FC.
“We are almost done, they made me a very good offer”, Fernandes told FloCombat via AG. Fight. “It was a very good offer, and I want to make a career there after I stop fighting, and that’s the way it came about. I want to open doors for Brazilians to fight in Asia […]. I have to focus on my family.”
When free agency hit again this time around for the 23-fight veteran, the UFC wasn’t the top American promotion to be close to prying away Fernandes.
“The UFC got in touch with me twice (but) they did not try (to sign me)”, Fernandes stated. “Bellator, that Russian event, M-1, and even Rizin in Japan. They tried but at the end of the day it’s all business. I would love to fight for Bellator, for example, but I have to take a look and let all sides of my career play into my decision.”
The contract is a multi-year deal calling for three fights a year but Fernandes isn’t sure if he will fight out the contract.
“In a few days the contract will be in my hand and then I can read it calmly. But I think I’ll sign it, yes. After fighting, I’ll still be with them […]. It will be a three-fight contract a year for three years. I’ll be honest, I don’t know how if I’ll still fight for long time […] but over the next two years I’ll take about six fights.”
