UFC
Bibiano Fernandes says he never signed UFC contract
Jun 12, 2012 - 10:15:50 AM Bibiano Fernandes says he never signed UFC contract

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Bibiano Fernandes is indeed out of a proposed bout with Roland Delorme at UFC 149, but it's not an injury that has taken him out as initially suspected.

Instead, Fernandes says he didn't sign a contract with the organization in the first place, and they ultimately couldn't agree to terms.

"I would like to make perfectly clear the news concerning my involvement with the UFC," Fernandes wrote on his Facebook page (via PaulLazenby.com). 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."

"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," Fernandes continued. "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."

According to a separate report from Ariel Helwani at MMAFighting.com, Fernandes has been offered a more lucrative deal from Singapore's ONE Fighting Championship, but has not signed that deal yet either.

Penick's Analysis: That is even more disappointing than Fernandes just being out of the event. News of his signing was well received, and fans were definitely excited to see another world-class bantamweight make his way to the Octagon. Now it appears that won't happen. Unless, of course, the UFC comes back with a better offer for the DREAM Bantamweight Champion. For Fernandes, it makes sense for him to seek out the most lucrative deal he can, and if the UFC isn't where he can get that, unfortunately we won't be seeing him in the UFC.